SPR30831 WLF SPA WhitePaper v12 - Flipbook - Page 23
Social isolation
have occurred during the pandemic. Fears were also shared about the impact increased social
stressors and social isolation will have on community wellbeing during COVID-19 and potential
adverse outcomes.
Social isolation and older Australians
Maintaining bonds and social interactions for older people can be a challenge
due to COVID-19 social distancing and social isolation measures.
Older Australians are more vulnerable to COVID-19, and as a result, are likely to be isolated and
segregated for longer periods of time. Wesley Mission’s Mental Health and Resilience Program
for Older Australians have reported increased rates of loneliness and isolation among their
clients, particularly those who are more anxious about their vulnerability to COVID-19. Older
people are less likely to have access to social media and technology which limits their access to
social connection during COVID-19 92.
Evidence demonstrates links between increased suicide rates and epidemics. One study in
Hong Kong following the SARS outbreak reported significant increases in suicide rates among
adults aged 65 and over 93. Suicide rates during this period reached a historical high at 18.6 per
100,000 people. The study identified that loneliness and disconnectedness experienced by older
people as likely to be associated with increased suicide rates 94.
Wesley LifeForce, in partnership with Western Sydney University, initiated and conducted
quantitative research to represent the population needs of older people living independently in
Wesley Mission’s retirement villages. The Wesley Village Residents Wellbeing Prospective
Research conducted prior to COVID-19, focused on residents mental health, wellbeing and
suicidality 95. The research involved older people living independently and examined the impact
of social engagement, environmental and socio-cultural factors on loneliness, anxiety,
depression and suicidal ideation. Key results from the research indicated:
• a
large proportion of women living alone 96 are at risk of loneliness and as a result at higher risk
of poor mental health and suicide which may be heightened during social distancing
• o
lder men who did not express social engagement with Wesley Mission activities were more
likely to experience depression and anxiety
• links between poor mental health and suicidality were associated with residents’ apartment
size i.e. people living in larger units had less reports of loneliness 97.
These results can more broadly indicate the potential impact of social distancing and social
isolating as experienced in older Australians during COVID-19.
Recommendations for older Australians
• G
overnment to fund the development and delivery of mental health and wellbeing screeners
in retirement villages.
• G
overnment to invest in a model of care for retirement villages which addresses and responds
to older Australian’s mental health and wellbeing.
Recommendations for social isolation
Government to deliver a national survey into the impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health and
suicidality of all Australians 98.
Reducing distress in the community following the COVID-19 pandemic
June 2020
23