Abstract
Globally, we are encountering an unprecedented turn of events because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us are facing an unwanted intrusion of emotional stress and worries in our life against the backdrop of the viral pandemic outbreak. It might be a financial worry for a businessman, career uncertainty for a student, parental issues in handling children constantly in lockdown mode, constant fear of contracting COVID, professional uncertainty, etc. Another vulnerable population that has been suffering because of the pandemic is the geriatric population. Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older persons are at a significantly higher risk of mortality and severe disease following infection. Apart from the COVID infection and other physical illnesses, this pandemic has caused collateral damage to the elderly population in the form of extreme loneliness and isolation. One possible solution to cope with this situation and stay in contact with others is to use video chats (Face time, Skype) or online social media (e.g., Facebook and Instagram). But in Lower Middle-Income Countries (LAMIC), not everybody can afford digital media. Studies have also reported distressing events that older persons who are quarantined or locked down with family members or caregivers may also face higher risks of violence, abuse, and neglect. All these have negatively affected the emotional and psychological well-being of the elderly population. Apart from laying stress on the physical health of the elderly in these tough times, policy makers and stakeholders should give impetus to come out with a solution to prevent isolation, neglect, and abuse in the elderly population.
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Das, A. (2023). Loneliness, Isolation, Neglect, and Abuse in Elderly Population Due to COVID-19 Pandemic. In: Shankardass, M.K. (eds) Handbook on COVID-19 Pandemic and Older Persons. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1467-8_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1467-8_6
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