An Overview of the Effects of the Covid -19 Pandemic on Older Adult

Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic on the elderly. In this study, we will review topics such as the causes of Covid-19 severity in the elderly, ‌ Psychological problems of the elderly, ‌the relation between comorbidities and Covid-19 severity, and the comparison of Covid-19 with other pandemics. Methods & Materials: This systematic review study was conducted in 2020 by searching in international Internet search databases. Boolean Operator (AND, OR) was used for combined search without time limit. Search strategy was limited to Persian and English articles using the keywords older adults ؛ Covid-19 ؛ ‌ Psychological problems ؛ Social isolation ؛ Elder‌ Abuse ؛ Ageism. Finally, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the remaining 58 studies were included in the study. Results: The results of studies were extracted and the effects of Covid-19 pandemic on the elderly in 8 parts: Why Covid-19 disease is more common in the elderly and has more complications, What are the mortality and complications of Covid-19 in the elderly، Covid-19 and underlying diseases, psychological problems caused by Covid-19 in the elderly, Covid-19 and abuse in the elderly, Covid-19 and Ageism in the elderly, comparison of Covid-19 with SARS, MERS Influenza in elderly, care for the elderly during the Covid-19 period. Conclusion: The Covid-19 pandemic poses serious challenges for the elderly around the world. To address these challenges, everyone must work, from government officials to people and families. Governments should enact laws that minimize the potential age-related abuse and discrimination, and provide equal opportunities for all members of society, regardless of age or gender. Families should also be aware of the increasing social isolation of the elderly and keep in touch with them.