Social Distance in COVID-19 Pandemic and Older Adults Populations

    World Health Organization (WHO) data show higher vulnerable rates of COVID-19 among older adults especially in those with underlying diseases. WHO recommended particularly limitations of social communications for older adults so that control virus transmission among these vulnerable populations. Recommended restrictions included social distancing and stay at home (1). Social distancing is a known health method to decrease infection transmission by stopping close contact with infected people. Likewise, staying at home is intended at reducing transmission rates. Results in these restrictions cause many older adults in the world to have been at home with minimal social connections for a long time (1). Social distancing leads to social isolation and loneliness further in older adults that these outcomes related to poorer health and wellbeing. Moreover, vast loneliness produces a decrease in quality of life, well-being, and social support by making small social networks and lower social connections in older adult populations (2). Also, recommendations for regard social distance in nursing homes cause residents to lose effective contact with visitors (children, friends, etc.) and are associated with negative outcomes such as loneliness and social isolation.