Senior woman inside her home with grand kids on the other side of glass.

COVID sees elderly face higher rates of mental health issues, isolation, cognitive decline

Published: 22 September 2021
  • national
  • 22 September 2021
  • ABC News

Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) chief executive Craig Gear said some elderly residents living alone or in aged care had not seen people face-to-face for over 18 months.

"That's resulted in fear, anxiety, loneliness, boredom, and also cognitive decline to those who have dementia or other neurological issues," he said.

  • Elderly residents are suffering from heightened mental health issues, isolation, cognitive decline

  • One elderly woman on the Gold Coast says she's afraid to leave her home, has worse anxiety

  • Advocacy groups say the government should allow one essential visitor for elderly