COVID-19 impact on elderly mental health studied

A systematic review conducted by the Universidad del Azuay examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the elderly population. The study analyzed 66 scientific works published between December 2019 and July 2025.

The findings indicate a significant increase in symptoms of anxiety, depression, psychological stress, and loneliness among older adults. These issues are primarily linked to social isolation, the loss of support networks, grief, and a heightened perception of vulnerability to the disease. The research also noted that the impact varied by gender and sociocultural context, with older women showing higher levels of affectation.