Mental Health Costs of Lockdowns: Evidence from Age-Specific Curfews in Turkey

Using a strict, age-specific lockdown order for adults aged 65 and older in Turkey, we examine the mental health consequences of an extended period tight mobility restrictions on senior adults. Adopting regression discontinuity design, find that curfew-induced decline substantially worsened outcomes, including somatic nonsomatic symptoms distress (approximately 0.2 standard deviation). Exploring potential channels, document increase social physical isolation, with no evidence robust changes labor market outcomes or intrahousehold conflict this subpopulation. (JEL D13, I21, I18, J14, O15)