The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults

Abstract

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has produced a series of changes in the daily routine of many adults. This has raised a number of barriers for the older population, given that some regulations have also been imposed using the chronological age criterion. This article examines the pandemic’s impact on older adults’ well-being. The pandemic has decreased the physical and mental well-being of older adults and adults in general, but studies reveal that, among other adults, older adults have been the most resilient. At the same time, it is noted that not all older adults experienced decreases in their well-being. However, some categories were more vulnerable in terms of the impact of the pandemic. These include dependent adults and older adults with limited financial resources or with pre-existing medical conditions or who have been discriminated against.