People in India are dealing with another blow to their health, brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Some experts think this crisis might outlast the virus.
Image used for representational purpose only
NEW DELHI: Loneliness and a deepening sense of uncertainty has hit the senior citizens like never before during the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, according to the analysis based on interactions with over 5,000 elderly during the past one month by volunteers of Agewell Foundation. It has released data to flag mental health concerns with over 82% of the eldery complaining of anxiety due to rising Covid-19 cases and casualties around them.
Around 70.2% of respondents were found suffering from sleeplessness or insomnia or nightmares due to poor quality of sleep. During the past month, it was also found that 63% of the elderly developed symptoms of depression due to loneliness and social isolation and unceasing stress The analysis is based on feedback collected between April 10 and May 10.
Second COVID-19 Wave Has Impacted Mental Health of Majority of Elderly, Says Study
The study also found that around 63% of the elderly developed symptoms of depression due to loneliness or social isolation.
Representational image. A healthcare worker collects a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test swab sample from a man, at a temporary shelter for homeless people in New Delhi, India, March 31, 2021. Photo: Reuters/Adnan Abidi/File Photo
Health21 hours ago
New Delhi:Â Uncertainty and fear caused by the surge in cases of COVID-19 cases over the past few months and the resultant fatalities have had a major impact on the mental health of senior citizens, a study by NGO Agewell Foundation has revealed. There has been an increase of over 50% among the age group when it came to such mental health disorders and symptoms of this stress included anxiety, sleeplessness, nightmares, depression as also weakness and fatigue, the study said.
The study has compiled data of interactions with more than 5,000 elderly over the past month. India added 3,62,727 new coronavirus infections in a day taking the COVID-19 tally of cases to 2,37,03,665, while the death toll rose to 2,58,317 with 4,120 daily fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The active cases have increased to 37,10,525 comprising 15.65 per cent of the total infections. The study by Agewell Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has also found that around 70.2 per cent elderly were found suffering from sleeplessness, insomnia or nightmares due to poor quality of sleep. It was established that major problems being faced by older people include - health anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, depression, irritation, unceasing stress, nightmares, feeling of emptiness, fear of contracting coronavirus, loss of appetite, and anxiety-related to the uncertain future, it said.