Over-60s cope best with life in lockdown — with stress relating to catching coronavirus currently highest amongst adults aged 30 to 59, study suggests
Over-60s are coping best with life in lockdown — with stress relating to catching coronavirus currently highest amongst adults aged 30 to 59, a study has suggested.
Exploring adults’ wellbeing and mental health during the coronavirus crisis, the research from University College London was launched three weeks ago.
To date, around 60,000 participants have shared their feelings about the lockdown, UK Government advice, loneliness, wellbeing and mental health.
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Over-60s are coping best with life in lockdown, with stress relating to catching COVID-19 currently highest amongst adults aged 30 to 59, a study has suggested
‘Since the lockdown measures were brought in two weeks ago, we have seen a change in what most people are worrying about,’ said lead researcher and epidemiologist Daisy Fancourt of the University College London.
‘Encouragingly, stressors relating to finance and food have decreased over the past fortnight, but the current highest stress factor appears to be worries about either catching COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill from it.’
‘We also see there has been a slight increase in depression over the past two weeks, but fortunately a slight decrease in anxiety levels amongst the general public.’
The researchers found that the UK public was the most concerned about catching the coronavirus before the lockdown was implemented, but such fears have decreased since social distancing and social isolation practices began.
Despite this improvement, however — which suggests that the lockdown is helping people to feel more safe from the virus — worries about catching COVID-19 remain higher than those relating to finance, getting food or unemployment.
People aged over 60 have been reported the highest levels of life satisfaction in the last three weeks — ranging between 6 and 6.5, in comparison to the 4–4.5 levels reported by those aged between 16 and 24.
For reference, a comparable Office for National Statistics survey undertaken in the March of 2019 reported an average satisfaction level of 7.5 for the UK population.
The team have also found that loneliness levels are higher among younger adults, those living along, people with lower income levels and individuals diagnosed with a mental health condition — with levels remaining constant across the lockdown.
People aged over 60 have been reported the highest levels of life satisfaction in the last three weeks — ranging between 6 and 6.5, in comparison to the 4–4.5 levels reported by those aged between 16 and 24. For reference, a comparable Office for National Statistics survey undertaken in the March of 2019 reported an average satisfaction level of 7.5 for the UK
‘Although this study is not representative of the population, we are pleased that such a large number people are participating in the study and have sent us data,’ said psychologist and epidemiologist Andrew Steptoe of University College London.
‘This gives us a snapshot of how people are feeling and coping during the lockdown and allows us to track changes over time as the situation evolves.’
The researchers are still recruiting for their study. Participants may sign up anonymously at the COVID-19 Social Study website.