MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 AMONG THE OLD AGED PEOPLE

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is an exceptional and uncommon occurrence that has elicited global apprehension and has resulted in widespread devastation. India is encountering a challenging situation as the number of infected or positive cases is progressively increasing. Due to stringent preventive measures and nationwide lockdowns imposed by the Indian Government, individuals are experiencing a spectrum of psychological and emotional issues, with anxiety and distress being prominent concerns. COVID-19 is altering the everyday routines of elderly individuals, the support they receive, their ability to maintain social connections, and their societal perception. Older persons are regularly identified as more susceptible to COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the mental health difficulties related to Covid-19 in old aged people. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a 30-item self-administered evaluation designed to detect depression in older adults. The sample had 60 respondents, evenly divided with 30 males and 30 females. The analysis of the mean, standard deviation, t-test, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient indicated a substantial link between depression and mental health. Additionally, poor mental health, particularly depression, was prevalent among older males and females aged 55 to 65 and above.