Short-Term Impact of Social Distancing Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cognitive Function and Health Perception of Brazilian Older Adults: A Pre-Post Study.
J Appl Gerontol
; 40(9): 934-942, 2021 09.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1243768
ABSTRACT
Social distancing, a critical measure to manage COVID-19 transmission, is consistently associated with social isolation, a major health issue. Social isolation negatively impacts mental and physical health, particularly among older adults. A pre-post comparison study examined changes in cognitive function and perceived health among 36 community-dwelling Brazilian older adults, assessed pre and post social distancing measures enacted due to COVID-19. A significant increase in cognitive function was found 1 month into social distancing (M = 16.3, p = .002, power = 0.88), with declining scores for vitality (M = -29.3, p < .001, power = 0.99) and mental health (M = -38.1, p < .001, power = 0.99), particularly among participants who lived alone (t = -3.8, p = .001). Older adults exhibit rapid changes in perceived health when excluded from participation in social activities. Health care professionals should consider holistic approaches when addressing the impacts of social isolation on this population.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Social Isolation
/
Communicable Disease Control
/
Cognition
/
Independent Living
/
Diagnostic Self Evaluation
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Brazil
Language:
English
Journal:
J Appl Gerontol
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
07334648211015458
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