Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
SHR Neuro Krebs Kardio Lipid Stoffw Microb
Stolz, E; Mayerl, H; Freidl, W.
The impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on loneliness among older adults in Austria.
Eur J Public Health. 2021; 31(1):44-49
Doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa238
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- Führende Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz
- Stolz Erwin
- Co-Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz
- Freidl Wolfgang
- Mayerl Hannes
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- Abstract:
- To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week 'lockdown' in March/April 2020. We assess whether the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Three analyses were conducted: (i) a comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-17) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (ii) an assessment of the cross-sectional correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness (May 2020) and (iii) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes (March-June 2020) in loneliness (Corona panel). We found (i) increased loneliness in 2020 compared with previous years, (ii) a moderate positive association between the number of restriction measures older adults were affected from and their loneliness and (iii) that loneliness was higher during 'lockdown' compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. We found evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus no strong negative consequences for older adults' mental health are expected. Nonetheless, the effects on loneliness, and subsequent mental health issues, could be both more long-lasting and severe if future restriction measures are enacted repeatedly and/or over longer time periods. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.
- Find related publications in this database (using NLM MeSH Indexing)
- Aged -
- Aged, 80 and over -
- Aged, 80 and over - epidemiology
- COVID-19 - epidemiology
- COVID-19 - prevention & control
- COVID-19 - psychology
- Cross-Sectional Studies -
- Female -
- Humans -
- Independent Living -
- Loneliness - psychology
- Male -
- Mental Health -
- Middle Aged -
- Pandemics - prevention & control
- Physical Distancing -
- Quarantine - psychology
- SARS-CoV-2 -
- Social Interaction -
- Social Isolation - psychology