The stress of the elderly toward COVID-19 pandemic
Introduction
Coronavirus is an infectious illness that can affect people of all ages. It affects people's health, especially the elderly, who are more likely to be hospitalized or die after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The elderly's mental and physical health is more vulnerable as a result of the epidemic than those of other age groups, demanding greater therapy.
The first cases of COVID-19 were discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease has had a disastrous effect on the population and has quickly spread over the world. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic as a result of the virus's global expansion, and many governments began to take actions to limit the virus's spread. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven states on
the Arabian Peninsula's eastern coast, reported its first case on January 29,
2020 (a family of four who had traveled to the UAE from Wuhan, China) and
confirmed its first two deaths on March 20, despite extensive efforts to
control infection.
Aging and stress toward COVID-19:
Aging has a physical, psychological, and social impact on humans. The immune system in older persons is compromised, making them vulnerable to infections. In addition, older persons are more prone to develop disease and have more hospitalizations, both of which raise the risk of infection. As a result, people are at significant risk of contracting COVID-19 disease, as a result of their chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems. COVID-19 has increased the chance of experiencing respiratory distress syndrome and heart attack in 19 older persons. It may also have an impact on their mental health. Furthermore, the psychological effects of this pandemic sickness could include dread, panic, stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, all of which could lead to mental health problems. Older individuals are a diverse demographic that may confront a variety of obstacles, including pre-existing isolation, mobility constraints, financial vulnerability, greater health risk, and stress from the COVID-19 epidemic.
The elderly may experience stressful situations by
facing and adapting to COVID – 19 pandemic disease and they build up good
resilience so it will support them in this stressful event.
The most important support system for the elderly was their family, especially in this pandemic situation. This can cause the elderly to reduce their stress and fear of sickness and make sure that the support system will provide care during any crises or illnesses.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the elderly must be considered
a vulnerable population group and must have good care and attention. The nurses
caring elderly have a vital role in assessing the psychological status of older
adults and guiding this vulnerable group to adapt to their stress through consultation,
implementation of relevant mental health interventions, and educational programs.
References:
Lounis, M.
(2020). Descriptive Study of the Current Situation of COVID-19 in Algeria.
Electron J Gen Med. 17(6):em253. Retrieved January 6, 2021, from https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/8287.
Debanjan, B. (2020). The impact of Covid-19
pandemic on elderly mental health, international. journal geriatric
psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, India DOI:
10.1002/gps.5320,35:1466–1467.
Soonthornchaiya,
R. ( 2020) Resilience For Psychological Impacts Of COVID-19 Pandemic On
Older Adults In Thailand. Journal of Gerontology & Geriatric
Medicine, United State. DOI: 10.24966/GGM-8662/100053).
Whitehead, B., Torossian, E., (2020) Research Article Older Adults’
Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Stresses and
Joys, Journal of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine. USThe A. Vol. XX, No.
XX, 1–12 doi:10.1093/geront/gnaa126 10.24966/GGM-8662/100053).