The development of mental health in oldest-old individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of social support

Abstract

Background: The elderly population is one of the high-risk groups with regard to a severe course of disease and increased mortality when infected with the coronavirus SARS-CoV‑2 (Severe Acute Raspiratory Syndrom Coronavirus 2). This group may be at higher risk for psychological strains from the COVID-19 pandemic itself but also from the health protection measures. The aim is to examine how symptoms of depressiveness, anxiety, and somatization change over the course of the pandemic and which role social support plays in that. Methods: Using two written surveys of n = 156 elderly participants in the periods May to June 2020 and March to May 2021, sociodemographic data, factors of psychological strain (depressiveness, anxiety, and somatization), as well as the perceived social support were recorded. The mean age of the respondents was 87.20 years (SD = 4.65; age range = 77.68–96.75 years) and 88.03 years (SD = 4.63; age range = 78.52–97.62 years) for 2020 and 2021, respectively. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon t‑tests and generalized linear regression models. Results: A significant increase in the expression of psychological strain with regards to depressiveness, anxiety, and somatization can be identified. Higher scores of psychological strains in 2020 are associated with a higher psychological strain in 2021. Higher perceived social support in 2020 is associated with lower depressiveness one year later. Conclusion: An increase in psychological strain has been observed in the elderly population over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic until May 2021. This population should be supported by preventive programs to avert a further increase in symptoms. The expansion of social support could be useful, especially in the prevention of depressive symptoms.