According to a study published in the journal PNAS, older adults infected with COVID-19 were twice as likely to develop mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, and suffer from financial difficulties. The study enrolled 5,146 adults between the ages of 52 and 74 years to examine the immediate and longer-term impact of COVID-19 on their mental health, well-being, social interactions, and financial outcomes. 

The results showed that, between June and July 2020, 49% of older adults with COVID-19 infection developed clinically significant depressive symptoms in comparison to 22% of the participants without infection. Also, 40% of the older people with probable COVID-19 infection experienced more financial difficulties in June and July 2020 than before the pandemic, compared with 20% of those without infection. Dr. Ellie Iob, University College London (UCL), UK, stated that there is little evidence available on the impact of contracting COVID-19 infection and an individuals mental health, personal finances, and social relationships. She also added that the study showed that older adults with probable COVID-19 infection experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety, poorer quality of life, elevated feelings of loneliness, and greater financial difficulties compared with those without probable infection. 

She revealed that a follow-up assessment was conducted between November and December 2020 to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among older people with probable infection and without infection. In older adults with COVID-19 infection, the prevalence of depression and anxiety was reported as 72% and 13 %,  respectively. On the other hand, among older adults who did not contract COVID-19 infection, the prevalence of depression and anxiety was 33% and 7%,  respectively. Dr. Iob also added that the feelings of loneliness were also twice as high in older people with probable COVID-19 infection than in those who did not get infected.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/covid19-doubles-risk-of-mental-health-financial-issues-in-older-adults-study-101658230005396.html )