Social Isolation and Loneliness Among San Francisco Bay Area Older Adults During the COVID‐19 Shelter‐in‐Place Orders

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Fecha de publicación: 23 de septiembre de 2021

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jgs.16865

Autores: Ashwin A. Kotwal MD, MSJulianne Holt‐Lunstad PhDRebecca L. Newmark BAIrena Cenzer MAAlexander K. Smith MD, MPH, MSKenneth E. Covinsky MD, MPHDanielle P. Escueta BSJina M. Lee BSCarla M. Perissinotto MD, MHS

Abstract

Background: Physical distancing during the COVID‐19 pandemic may have unintended, detrimental effects on social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Our objectives were to investigate (1) experiences of social isolation and loneliness during shelter‐in‐place orders, and (2) unmet health needs related to changes in social interactions.

Design: Mixed‐methods longitudinal phone‐based survey administered every 2 weeks.

Setting: Two community sites and an academic geriatrics outpatient clinical practice.