Abstract
SummaryBackgroundCocooning or shielding, i.e. staying at home and reducing face-to-face interaction with other people, was an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic for older people. However, concerns exist regarding the long-term adverse effects cocooning may have on their physical and mental health.AimTo examine health trajectories and healthcare utilization while cocooning in a cohort of community-dwelling people aged ≥70 years.DesignSurvey of 150 patients (55% female, mean age 80 years and mean Clinical Frailty Scale Score 4.8) attending ambulatory medical services in a large urban university hospital.MethodsThe survey covered four broad themes: access to healthcare services, mental health, physical health and attitudes to COVID-19 restrictions. Survey data were presented descriptively.ResultsAlmost 40% (59/150) reported that their mental health was ‘worse’ or ‘much worse’ while cocooning, while over 40% (63/150) reported a decline in their physical health. Almost 70% (104/150) reported exercising less frequently or not exercising at all. Over 57% (86/150) of participants reported loneliness with 1 in 8 (19/150) reporting that they were lonely ‘very often’. Half of participants (75/150) reported a decline in their quality of life. Over 60% (91/150) agreed with government advice for those ≥70 years but over 40% (61/150) reported that they disliked the term ‘cocooning’.ConclusionsGiven the likelihood of further restrictions in coming months, clear policies and advice for older people around strategies to maintain social engagement, manage loneliness and continue physical activity and access timely medical care and rehabilitation services should be a priority.
Highlights
Cocooning or shielding, i.e. staying at home and reducing face-to-face interaction with other people, was an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic for older people
We explored the effect the pandemic has had on their access to healthcare, as well as the compliance to and attitudes towards COVID-19 restrictions amongst this cohort
We found that 2 in 5 participants reported a decline in their mental health overall, with 70% reporting low mood at least some of the time, and 12% reporting low mood very often
Summary
I.e. staying at home and reducing face-to-face interaction with other people, was an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic for older people. In terms of morbidity and mortality, COVID-19 disproportionately affects frail, older people. In order to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, in late March 2020 all people aged ≥70 years (as well as some younger people with underlying health conditions) in Ireland were advised to stay at home and reduce face-to-face interaction with other people as much as possible.[3] Older people were advised to stay indoors, have groceries and medicines delivered and avoid contact with friends and family in order to minimize spread within a high-risk group, delay peaks in case numbers and relieve pressure on health services. The term most commonly used to describe this strategy of self-isolation in Ireland was ‘cocooning’,5 alternative terms such as shielding or sheltering have been used to describe similar strategies involving older populations in other countries.[6,7] Cocooning recommendations remain in place at this current time, but there have been some relaxations since they were introduced, involving for example, that shopping is allotted to designated hours and support bubbles for those living alone are recommended
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
