Loneliness and social isolation due to an extended Covid alert level could increase the mental and physical vulnerabilities of more than half a million elderly New Zealanders.
University of Otago, Christchurch, researcher and geriatrician Hamish Jamieson warned of impacts of social isolation, as well as the danger of people having less contact with doctors.
Covid-19 was a threat to the health of older people, but so was the impact of loneliness, Dr Jamieson said.
The Government has imposed what it hopes will be a short move to Level 3 in Auckland and less drastic restrictions for the rest of New Zealand.
Rest-homes throughout the country have stopped accepting visitors.
The shutdown is scheduled to end on Wednesday next week, providing the Government is comfortable it is safe to relax restrictions.
Dr Jamieson praised the Government for spreading the message that people should continue to seek medical care for non-Covid illnesses.
He hoped older people would hear and heed that message.
Dr Jamieson said loneliness and social isolation were linked to poor health outcomes and often prematurely hastened otherwise well older people into rest-homes.
A 2017 study by Dr Jamieson and colleagues found one in five elderly New Zealanders described themselves as being chronically lonely. This number was likely to increase under extended restrictions.
‘‘If you are socially isolated and lonely, you are more at risk of depression and anxiety, and some chronic conditions such as pain, can become worse.’’
Dr Jamieson said Covid-19 was getting plenty of attention but it need not dominate people’s focus.
Age Concern Otago executive officer Debbie George said her initial reaction to the increase in restrictions last week was disappointment.
The charity had to stop group activities under Level 2, but it was able to carry on with a visiting service, which provided much-needed companionship.
Mrs George pointed to research that showed having inadequate social relationships had been shown to be as bad for health as smoking.
Much of Age Concern’s work was designed to enhance social connections.
Older people were resilient and prepared to embrace challenges, she said.
