A new study found the ongoing pandemic is causing increased anxiety and depression in seniors.
Homecare.org, a platform for aging-in-place resources, found more than one-third of Americans polled noticed signs of anxiety and depression in their older parents during the pandemic. Overall, seniors showed slightly higher rates of anxiety (23%) versus depression (21%), according to adult children polled. Nearly half of the respondents felt their parents were more isolated during the pandemic.
“Our elderly population is always at risk for undiagnosed mental health conditions, and isolation during the pandemic greatly increases their chances of suffering in silence from anxiety and depression,” said Daniel Cobb, content director for HomeCare.org. “We hope this research study will help to increase awareness and equip families with additional resources like the directory of certified care providers, educational guides and on-demand help.”
In early April, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported symptoms of anxiety and depression among adults increased from 36.4% to 41.5% between August of 2020 and February of 2021.
