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Altered lives in a time of crisis: preparing for recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of older adults
Investigator (PI): Kenny, Rose-Anne
Performing Organization (PO): (Current): Trinity College Dublin, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Discipline of Medical Gerontology / 353 1 896 3555
Supporting Agency (SA): Health Research Board (Ireland)
Initial Year: 2020
Final Year: 2021
Record Source/Award ID: HRB/COV19-2020-070
Award Type: Grant
Abstract: The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of older adults will be dramatic and long lasting. The negative effects of the pandemic and public health interventions (such as cocooning) will have serious implications for longer term physical wellbeing, and mental and cognitive health. This may lead to a social as well as economic recession in the coming months and years. Older adults may be at particular risk given their specific needs and vulnerabilities, and also the contributions they make to their families and communities. The project will rapidly administer a self-completion questionnaire (SCQ) to a nationally representative sample of 6,000 older adults. The sample consists of current participants in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Based on experience, a response rate of >85% is expected. The questionnaire will collect information on the experience of older adults of COVID-19 symptomology and testing; changes to behaviours in response to emergency public health interventions; and the effect of the pandemic on physical, mental, and cognitive wellbeing. We will also collate data on unmet health care needs, information sources, and the experience of discrimination based on age (ageism). Data collected during the project will be linked to an existing 10 years of social, economic, and health data collected by TILDA from these same participants. We will also link the project data to the next TILDA study interview, including health assessment with accompanying blood samples, therefore creating an invaluable epidemiological resource to support tailored public health responses. An experienced team of researchers, including members from the Department of Health and Health Service Executive, have been mobilized. The research infrastructure is also in place. TILDA is therefore uniquely positioned to use its existing data infrastructure and large representative sample to rapidly assist public health policymakers and health care systems understand the effect of the pandemic on older adults.
MeSH Terms:
  • Aged
  • Cognition
  • * Coronavirus Infections /complications
  • Economic Recession
  • Humans
  • Ireland
  • Public Health
  • Social Isolation
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
Keywords:
  • COVID-19
Country: Ireland
State:
Zip Code: D02 R590
UI: 20202502
Project Status: Ongoing