Older people’s health and wellbeing suffers amid social distancing

Social distancing has increased feelings of loneliness and is affecting the wellbeing of the older generation, according to a new study.

The research, by Stirling University, found loneliness in over- 60s had a negative impact on health and wellbeing.

The study also discovered many were facing increased loneliness due to social distancing caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Of the 1,429 survey participants, 84% were aged 60 or over and had an average social network of five people.

The participants socialised five days a week and for more than six and a half hours a week on average.

More than half (56%) said social distancing regulations made them experience more loneliness.

Professor Anna W h i t t a k e r, of the university’s Faculty of He a l t h Sciences and Sport, led the work and hopes it will help to inform decision-making on the virus and support post-pandemic recovery strategies.

She said: “Previous s tud ies have demonstrated the negative impacts of social isolation and loneliness.

“This is a key issue for older adults who may be more likely to have few social contacts.

“We know that social distancing guidelines introduced in response to coronavirus have restricted social activity engagement and impacted vulnerable groups, including older adults.

“Our s t u d y, which involved a survey of more than 1,400 older people, examined the impact of social distancing during the pandemic on social activity, loneliness and wellbeing.

“The majority of survey participants reported that social distancing has made them experience more loneliness, social contact with fewer people, and less social contact overall.

“This underlines the importance of addressing loneliness and social contact in older adults, but particularly during pandemics or situations where the risk of isolation is high.”