LAUSR

Early in the pandemic we knew that older adults, particularly those who are medically ill and/or reside in long term care were at increased physical health risk. What about mental health risk? How did older adults cope? What strategies helped older adults to maintain well-being? This issue seeks to address these questions so that we can learn and be prepared for the future. We begin with two reviews. How did older adults cope? In a systematic review of 20 studies of 106,553 participants quarantined during either COVID-19 or SARS, almost all found older adults to report lower stress and less negative emotions under quarantine than younger adults (Sterina, Hermida, Gerberi, & Lapid, 2021). This systematic review is in line with three survey studies comparing older to younger adults presented in this issue. What helped? In a scoping review of social isolation for older adults residing in long term care, VeigoSeijo and colleagues note that the use of technology for communication, family support groups, and assignment of reference staff to each family were helpful in addressing social isolation (Veiga-Seijo, Miranda-Duro, & Veiga-Seijo, 2021). Several studies are in line with Sterina and colleague’s review. Amongst 528 participants living in Spain affect-balance was similar in younger and older adults; stronger social networks were associated with more positive affect (Facal, RodríguezGonzález, Martínez-Santos, & Gandoy-Crego, 2021). Similarly, amongst 705 adults with chronic conditions living in the U.S., older adults reported less anxiety than younger adults, which was associated with lower social support for younger adults (Shattuck, Kaba, Zhou, & Polenick, 2021). Likewise, in a survey of 276 adults in the U.S., older adults reported less anxiety and depression than younger adults, which was associated with negative COVID experiences in younger adults (Feliciano, Johanson, Okun, & Walden, 2021); the authors also investigated changes in health behaviors which varied amongst the groups. For those who are caregivers to persons living with health conditions, the pandemic and quarantines may pose special challenges. In a survey of 288 senior staff in residential facilities in Australia about one-third of staff reported anxiety in response to COVID – and noted concerns for the residents they cared for (Brydon et al., 2021). Similarly, 88 family caregivers of persons with dementia surveyed by Losada et al, reported a worsening of symptoms and negative emotions, as well as concerns for the persons they cared for (Losada et al., 2021). The commitment of professional and family caregivers during these challenging times is notable, as highlighted in a qualitative study by Tulloch and colleagues who found caregivers reported a strengthening of their commitment to care-partnering (Tulloch, McCaul, & Scott, 2021). Future work might consider the longer-term impacts of caregiver stress in particularly at-risk popultations and what resources may be needed for recovery. A series of studies provide a global perspective on mental health of older adults during COVID. Qualitative interviews with 30 older adults in Uganda provide a perspective on mental health of