Older adult life in COVID-19 pandemic: Focus on social isolation, loneliness, and minimization of risks

At the moment of worldwide lockdown with the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), older adult life bangs up with lots of changes such as stagnation in life, abuses, or violence (e.g., physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect). Older adults are feeling and experiencing more deprivation of social connectedness in a self-isolating environment. When there is a need for solidarity worldwide, COVID-19 is escalating stigmatization and discrimination against older adult populations. For this reason, we are particularly interested/accentuated more on the isolation life and loneliness lifestyles of older adults residing inside the four walls of their houses. In addition, emphasis is also given on different approaches of 4 R's such as reinoculate, remove, restore, and resilience for minimization of impact of COVID-19 among older adults. However, the cultural differences and societal values also played a major role in minimization of mental health challenges and illnesses during lockdown in Western and Eastern societies. The “We-ness” of collectivistic culture of Eastern societies brings more “Wellness” for older adult mental health. On the other hand, the “I-ness” of individualistic culture of Western societies brings only “Illness” for the older adult population. Still, many countries are facing a second or third wave of COVID-19, which are worsening the situation more for the older adult population. With aging and social isolation in pandemic, older adults’ well-being can be restored by developing healthy habits, involvement in religious activities, adopting natural healing techniques, and positive thinking toward the life.