Clinical

The ‘loneliness pandemic’: implications for gerontological nursing

Adjunct Professor, School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic of Leiria; Researcher, RECI (Research in Education and Community Intervention), Piaget Institute; Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal

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Published Online:10 Jun 2021https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2021.30.11.652

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled states to limit free movement, in order to protect at-risk and more vulnerable groups, particularly older adults. Due to old age or debilitating chronic diseases, this group is also more vulnerable to loneliness (perceived discrepancy between actual and desired social relationships) and social isolation (feeling that one does not belong to society). This forced isolation has negative consequences for the health of older people, particularly their mental health. This is an especially challenging time for gerontological nursing, but it is also an opportunity for professionals to combat age stereotypes reinforced with COVID-19, to urge the measurement of loneliness and social isolation, and to rethink how to further adjust interventions in times of crisis, such as considering technology-mediated interventions in these uncertain times.

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10 June 2021Volume 30Issue 11

ISSN (print): 0966-0461
ISSN (online): 2052-2819

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Accepted 1 March 2021

Published online 10 June 2021

Published in print 10 June 2021

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