Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in older adults, and new mobile apps that support self-care and overall mental health may hold promise.
Patients with psychiatric disorders are another population that may be more exposed to COVID-19, and the secondary effects of the pandemic may detract from ongoing treatment, thus worsening overall mental health.
Researchers suggested the Act-Belong-Commit mental health promotion campaign as a possible intervention given its focus on staying physically and mentally active and maintaining social connections.
The study authors noted that the pattern of poor mental health trajectories in older adults is mirrored in younger adults, ages 35 to 59 years, suggesting that these trends may be related to declining economic opportunity in the late 2000s.
