BACKGROUND: Cocooning or shielding, i.e. staying at home and reducing face-to-face interaction with other people, was an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic for older people. However, concerns exist regarding the long-term adverse effects cocooning may have on their physical and mental health. AIM: To examine health trajectories and healthcare utilization while cocooning in a cohort of community-dwelling people aged ≥70 years. DESIGN: Survey of 150 patients (55% female, mean age 80 years, mean Clinical Frailty Scale Score 4.8) attending ambulatory medical services in a large urban university hospital. METHODS: The survey covered four broad themes: access to healthcare services, mental health, physical health and attitudes to COVID-19 restrictions. Survey data was presented descriptively. RESULTS: Almost 40% (59/150) reported that their mental health was 'worse' or 'much worse' while cocooning, while over 40% (63/150) reported a decline in their physical health. Almost 70% (104/150) reported exercising less frequently or not exercising at all.Over 57% (86/150) of participants reported loneliness with 1 in 8 (19/150) reporting that they were lonely 'very often'. Half of participants (75/150) reported a decline in their quality of life (QOL).Over 60% (91/150) agreed with government advice for those ≥70 years but over 40% (61/150) reported that they disliked the term 'cocooning'. CONCLUSIONS: Given the likelihood of further restrictions in coming months, clear policies and advice for older people around strategies to maintain social engagement, manage loneliness, continue physical activity and access timely medical care and rehabilitation services should be a priority.
BACKGROUND:Cocooning or shielding, i.e. staying at home and reducing face-to-face interaction with other people, was an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic for older people. However, concerns exist regarding the long-term adverse effects cocooning may have on their physical and mental health. AIM: To examine health trajectories and healthcare utilization while cocooning in a cohort of community-dwelling people aged ≥70 years. DESIGN: Survey of 150 patients (55% female, mean age 80 years, mean Clinical Frailty Scale Score 4.8) attending ambulatory medical services in a large urban university hospital. METHODS: The survey covered four broad themes: access to healthcare services, mental health, physical health and attitudes to COVID-19 restrictions. Survey data was presented descriptively. RESULTS: Almost 40% (59/150) reported that their mental health was 'worse' or 'much worse' while cocooning, while over 40% (63/150) reported a decline in their physical health. Almost 70% (104/150) reported exercising less frequently or not exercising at all.Over 57% (86/150) of participants reported loneliness with 1 in 8 (19/150) reporting that they were lonely 'very often'. Half of participants (75/150) reported a decline in their quality of life (QOL).Over 60% (91/150) agreed with government advice for those ≥70 years but over 40% (61/150) reported that they disliked the term 'cocooning'. CONCLUSIONS: Given the likelihood of further restrictions in coming months, clear policies and advice for older people around strategies to maintain social engagement, manage loneliness, continue physical activity and access timely medical care and rehabilitation services should be a priority.
Authors: Shirley K L Lo; Justina Y W Liu; Daphne S K Cheung; Yue-Heng Yin; Siu Ying Ng; Patrick P K Kor; Lin Yang; Siu Kay Chan; Rick Y C Kwan; Paul H Lee; Vico C L Chiang Journal: Res Aging Date: 2022-05-18
Authors: Arina A Tamborska; Bhagteshwar Singh; Sonja E Leonhard; Eva Maria Hodel; Julia Stowe; Taylor Watson-Fargie; Peter M Fernandes; Andreas C Themistocleous; Jacob Roelofs; Kathryn Brennan; Caroline Morrice; Benedict D Michael; Bart C Jacobs; Helen McDonald; Tom Solomon Journal: BMJ Neurol Open Date: 2022-07-12
Authors: Joanna Smolarczyk-Kosowska; Anna Szczegielniak; Mateusz Legutko; Adam Zaczek; Łukasz Kunert; Magdalena Piegza; Robert Pudlo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-02-03 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: I S Moens; L J van Gerven; S M Debeij; C H Bakker; M J C Moester; S P Mooijaart; S van der Pas; M Vangeel; J Gussekloo; Y M Drewes; W P J den Elzen Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2022-01-13 Impact factor: 3.921
Authors: Eimile Holton; Rachel Fitzpatrick; Rebecca Maguire; Seán Commins; Thomas Scharf; Brian Lawlor; Natalie Johnson; Caoimhe Hannigan; Joanna McHugh Power Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-10 Impact factor: 3.390