Why Depression in Seniors is on the Rise Thanks to COVID-19

“There’s a reason that social programs for seniors exist - because staying social is just one key to living happy and healthy golden years. Because COVID has forced many assisted living facilities to restrict (or eliminate) visitation for residents, the rate of depression in seniors has gone up dramatically.”

Over the course of the last two years, more seniors have been fighting regular symptoms of depression. As the COVID-19 pandemic struck and lockdowns were initiated, life as we knew it changed forever. 

Quarantine has taken a toll on all of us, but it’s hit seniors particularly hard for a few different reasons. Here’s why depression in seniors is on the rise in the age of COVID-19 and quarantine. 

Increased Social Isolation

Social isolation isn’t just a matter of loneliness for seniors. It’s one of the single largest contributing factors to many long-term diseases and conditions. From depression to dementia, increased social isolation can be overwhelmingly detrimental to seniors’ mental and physical health.

There’s a reason that social programs for seniors exist - because staying social is just one key to living happy and healthy golden years. Because COVID has forced many assisted living facilities to restrict (or eliminate) visitation for residents, the rate of depression in seniors has gone up dramatically.

Lack of Physical Touch

With quarantine came social distancing. In nursing homes and assisted living facilities, staff reduced physical touch to only when essential. While some residents were still able to get their daily doses of physical touch, others struggled with loneliness and depression.

This physical separation can have serious medical ramifications. For patients who struggle with dementia, a lack of physical touch can worsen dementia symptoms and increase overall anxiety. 

Difficulty Perceiving Nonverbal Facial Cues

In a pre-masked world, humans use nonverbal facial cues to communicate. For seniors who struggle with hearing, being able to see a smile or read lips can make a massive difference in their day-to-day quality of life. 

With masks, these cues and signals get lost in translation. Growing frustration with communication difficulties is leaving one out of four seniors feeling isolated, lonely, and depressed.

Here’s How to Help Offset the Negative Effects of COVID-19 & Quarantine

If you aren’t able to see your loved ones, write to them, or send them a card with pictures of you. Schedule digital face time if they feel comfortable with the technology. Encourage them to seek socialization within their community, if possible. Reinforce that it’s ok to feel sad, lonely, and depressed. Highlight ways they can help offset the symptoms of depression.

While the pandemic has affected everyone differently, it has highlighted just how vulnerable and resilient the senior population is.