'I feel like this will never end': mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults with chronic conditions.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic may have a negative impact on mental health, especially among older adults with chronic conditions who are more vulnerable to severe illness. In this qualitative study, we evaluated how the pandemic has impacted the ways that adults aged 50 and older with chronic conditions managed their mental health. METHODS: A total of 492 adults (M = 64.95 years, SD = 8.91, range = 50-94) who lived in Michigan (82.1%) and 33 other U.S. states completed one anonymous online survey between 14 May 14 and 9 July 2020. Open-ended responses were coded to ascertain relevant concepts and were reduced to develop major themes. RESULTS: We determined four main themes. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted how participants took care of their mental health through: (1) pandemic-related barriers to social interaction; (2) pandemic-related routine changes; (3) pandemic-related stress; and (4) pandemic-related changes to mental health service use. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that older adults with chronic conditions experienced various challenges to managing their mental health in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also showed considerable resilience. The findings identify potential targets of personalized interventions to preserve their well-being during this pandemic and in future public health crises.

Factors Associated With Sleep Disturbances Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to sleep problems among older adults with chronic conditions. We examined factors linked to pandemic-related sleep disturbances in a US sample of adults aged 50 and older with chronic conditions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional anonymous online survey between May 14 and July 9, 2020. SETTING: Michigan (82.3% of participants) and 33 other US states. PARTICIPANTS: Total of 705 adults (M = 64.57 years, SD = 8.82, range = 50-94) who reported at least one chronic condition. MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic and health characteristics, physical activity, media use, pandemic-related stress, social resources, and pandemic-related sleep disturbances. RESULTS: In the fully adjusted regression models, people who reported more worry about COVID-19 infection, more financial strain, and greater loneliness reported significantly greater pandemic-related sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: These findings identify factors that may heighten risk of sleep problems since the COVID-19 pandemic in an especially vulnerable subgroup of older adults.