The Communication Style of the Elderly during COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that originated from Wuhan and has spread throughout the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global pandemic of COVID-19 infection. Under the circumstances where no vaccines or treatments are available for COVID-19, social isolation is considered to be the best preventive strategy (1). Although social isolation could be easily implemented, it affects the elderly and increases their loneliness. To these individuals, social isolation leads to the avoidance of contact with their families and friends, problems in preparing essential goods or medications, and difficulty leaving home. Loneliness could lead to depression, cognitive dysfunction, physical dysfunction, and increased mortality (2, 3). The concept of health in the elderly is a combination of daily life and medical interventions, and daily live is considered more important to the elderly. Changes in the food materials and goods that could be purchased in pandemic conditions also alter the routines and meals of the elderly. Furthermore, physical exercise is restricted due to isolation and may cause muscle weakness during this period. Decreased engagement with the community could decrease cognitive stimulation and change/deteriorate the cognition or mood of the elderly (4). Along with the restrictions imposed on the elderly, there are also restrictions