Challenges of the Elderly in the Period of COVID-19: A Review

Document Type : Review

Authors

1 Clinical Research Development Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Department of Gerontology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

4 Clinical Research Development Center of Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

5 General Sciences Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

6 Department of Biostatistics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

10.30476/jhmi.2025.103685.1259

Abstract

Introduction: Older adults were among the most vulnerable groups in the field of the
COVID-19 pandemic because the cases of premature death in the outbreak of COVID-19
primarily occurred in Older Adults, which could be due to the weak immune system that
allows faster progression of the viral infection. As the world is still in the grip of the COVID-19
pandemic, it is worthwhile to take swift action to reduce morbidity and protect the quality of
life of the older population.
Methods: In this review study, studies published in Persian and English during 2020-2022
were examined in databases, and the findings were compared. The search keywords included
were (Older Adults), (Covid-19), (problems), and (challenges). Based on the inclusion
criteria, 6584 articles were included in the study, and after scientific reviews, 21 articles were
finally included in the review study.
Results: Most of the assessed challenges were all kinds of restrictions in the fields of
psychology, physicality, changes in residential conditions, changes in financial conditions, etc.
Conclusion: The resilience of Older Adults can be amazing if they are adequately cared for.
The way the authorities treat their Older Adults during a disaster will shape how they deal
with future crises, and the coronavirus era offers another opportunity for this issue. Due to
the importance of the health of Older Adults in society, it is expected that other solutions
suitable for these challenges will be presented, and it is recommended that further studies
should be conducted to improve the conditions.

Highlights

Maryam Gholami (Google Scholar)

Ali Mohammad Keshtvarz Hesam Abadi (Google Scholar)

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Health Management & Information Science
Volume 12, Issue 3
July 2025
Pages 131-138

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