It is more likely to have either short or long term mental issues in this group. Old people are generally tend to be more social compared to youth. Lack of social activities means loneliness which could affect their mentality. Adding to their loneliness, they are more likely to experience stress, insomnia and emotional exhaustion due to fear of getting infected as a high risk group. Altogether will have a significant impact on their mental health.

Self-isolation and social distancing have been requested by health experts and governments worldwide, leading to many people being quarantined in their homes including old age group, these implemented measures and rules have made it difficult for seniors to get the support they need in many ways, and it may cause or exacerbate—feelings of loneliness in older people and adversely impact their wellbeing and physical activity levels. However, we're also aware that many in this group have adopted new approaches to cope with the current situation and will consider any positive impacts derived from this. For example, in many parts of the world where big families live together, social distancing and self-isolation measures have led these families to spend more time with their parents/grandparents, and it might represent something like "a reverse empty- nest."

We all realize the negative effect of COVID-19 and social distancing measures on the elderly population, but what I wanted to highlight here is we can have the reverse effect as well. In the end, we have to differentiate between social distancing and social isolation.

When old people are being categorized as vulnerable to COVID 19 that will create mental stability among them, because they realize that lower age groups are at lower risk than them. Old people tend to be sensitive about their age associated issues such as sicknesses, less movement, food etc. Although social distancing is very important measure in saving them from exposure to the virus, social distancing will probably have mental impact on old people as well.

Do you mean only old ages ? I thing all circumstances you mentioned affect the psychological state in all ages.

For older persons, it is not a major issue. We have been through polio pandemics and tuberculosis, and 5 years of wars. We know that hardships come and go, they start and they end.

Thank you so much @ Narjes Alfiersiijai

Very well said

Yes. Of course!

Thank you Francisco Javier Gala rancisco Javier Gala

Nice statement. Thank you S. Béatrice Marianne Ewalds-Kvist

Yes, true Abdulridha Taha Sarhan Thank you

Thanks a ng such a detail description in most convincing way Najib Al-Aghbas

A lot is learnt from your contribution

Thank you very much Bushra Elhusein hra Elhusein

Thank you, dear Itishree

Depending on life success and accomplishments such as proper child upbringing, nurturing and healthy social relationships most elderly are not intimidated by old age or fear of death, but look forward to a peaceful rest, having gone through their part of this life's race.

Thank you

old age problem is not same in all societies

but their problem is a matter of concern

thank you very much.@Khurshid Mattoo

Thank you for your well thought contributions@Nijabulo Siibanda

You are right: old people may fear loneliness and a lack of courage before death! Society must help them!

Thank you for your comments Michele Brondino ichele Brondino

People over the age of 65 are at higher risk for complications and death from COVID-19. But that’s not the only way this pandemic is disproportionately impacting older adults. Social distancing and other pandemic control strategies can take a particular toll on older individuals, some of whom don’t have access to or experience with the technologies like FaceTime and Zoom that are helping many people feel connected in this time. 

Thank you so much for sharing your view Rooh Ullah ooh Ullah

I think is the social distancing still the main risk for the trasmission of Covid- 19.

It's difficult to say. A persons mental health is based on their own life pre covid and the way they lived. One example is my step fathers dad. He has actually thrived learning new skills such as facetime and being a part of a messenger group with our family. I suppose the issue arises if you have not got a support mechanism and you are alone. I can imagine you could feel quite isolated and forgotten. However, is this not the case before covid.

Well said Keith Whyard

Thank you very much

Older people, particularly the oldest olds, have higher susceptibility to Covid-19. Physical distancing (I prefer this term) is must for them. But, at the same time, it may result in developing the feelings of helplessness and loneliness. So, psychological support is necessary for them.

The coronavirus is our known great unknown. It is around us, and it is within us. There are many responses this, two of which are isolation and physical distancing. For many, this is not new. For some, the situation is similar to the polio epidemic. People were so frightened and took drastic measures to deal with the unknown, the absolute terror. These people are in their 70s and 80s, prime targets for infection. And here they are, once again, dealing with the unknown, using the two responses that render us physically useless. Health care professionals must open themselves further to the needs of elders. Check in twice a week, use the phone and/or computer (Telehealth) whenever, wherever possible. Look at the active mind over the "what did you do today?" or "what do you plan to do today?" Examine the moment in the words and emotions of clients. Don't expect your work in social work or psychology to fix the situation. Be with the people you serve.

Thank yo so much for sharing to views Jan Rosenberg an Rosenberg and Deepak Midya

Yes social distancing do effect state of mental consciousness.

Thank you very much Bodh R Sharma

Social distancing does have an impact on the mental well-being of the elderly population. These individuals are already typically isolated from social functions due to health and other factors such as diminished social interactions. So, when they are unable to interact with their family members, depression can increase or become a new problem for them. It is important to find ways to keep the elderly population interacting with others through phone calls, video chats and even just talking to them through the windows when they live at nursing homes. Here is an article that may help you.

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-social-distancing-psychological-fallout

Thank you so much Erika McKnight

The article is really informative.

Thank you for sharing your views.

I think that social distacing stay an important risk for older community.

Yes sir, rightly said.

Thank you@ Abdulridha Sarhan

Social distancing can be an important contributor to mental health issues in the elderly.

Social distancing is affecting mental health in elders as well as youngers.

Good answer

Thanks a lot Hiten Barman iten Barman

"Physical distance" not "social distance" i think that is a right term, socially an important factor to mental health to all especially elder people. in my opinion.

Thank you very much Solaiman Elsheikh olaiman R. S. Elsheikh

In my opinion, not all elderly people are going through the ill effect of covid. Those elderly who are living alone, has seen its repercussions more as the feeling of loneliness increased among them. Moreover the lockdown restrictions also affected their movement of going out (like to park, temple, to friends etc) which for many is a way of mental relaxation and happiness. Since statistics say that aged people are more prone to get covid (due to age and health issues), and are said to remain inside, the forced fear of getting it might instill depression in some. On the flip side, depression among some elders could also be due to the fact of some going through elder abuse due to covid restrictions and the rule of social distancing. Abuser being there with them 24/7 is equally psychologically dangerous than the feeling of loneliness.

Thank you so much for your elaborate answer Kanchan Bharati anchan Bharati