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Loneliness, Malnutrition and Change in Subjective Age among Older Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Adi Vitman Schorr

    (Shamir Research Institute, Haifa University, Katsrin 1290000, Israel
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Itamar Yehuda

    (Shamir Research Institute, Haifa University, Katsrin 1290000, Israel
    Faculty of Science and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Snait Tamir

    (Faculty of Science and Technology, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee 1220800, Israel
    Laboratory of Human Health and Nutrition Sciences, MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat-Shmona 11016, Israel)

Abstract

Objectives: We examined the effect of loneliness and the role of two mediating factors, depressive symptoms and malnutrition on subjective age among older adults during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and explored how the pandemic is affecting subjective age. Design: A convenience sample of 201 older adults aged 65 and over was interviewed. Using bootstrapping, we tested the strength and significance of the indirect effect of depressive symptoms and malnutrition (mediators) on the relationship between feelings of loneliness and subjective age. Results: The relationship between feelings of loneliness and subjective age during the COVID-19 pandemic was mediated by malnutrition, but not by depressive symptoms. In addition, the participants felt older during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the preceding period. Conclusions : An association was found among feelings of loneliness, malnutrition, and subjective age. To overcome these feelings in times of crisis like the pandemic, it is essential to develop new communication methods (technologies for managing and addressing the needs of the older population; technologies to encourage social engagement, and technologies for managing and providing remote medical services) for and with older adults that are effective in reducing loneliness, and to promote good nutrition. Possible practical solutions include new social network technologies for reducing loneliness combined with continued reliance on phone communication as an intervention of psychological support to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent malnutrition.

Suggested Citation

  • Adi Vitman Schorr & Itamar Yehuda & Snait Tamir, 2020. "Loneliness, Malnutrition and Change in Subjective Age among Older Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2020:i:1:p:106-:d:468596
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    References listed on IDEAS

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