February 20, 2020

Mental health services for older adults in China during the COVID-19 outbreak

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Mental Health and Personal Impact

• Yang et al. describe the critical support needs for 30 million citizens in China who are older than 80, and the 40 million citizens who have long-term disabilities.  Both of these criteria are related to much higher COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, which worsens the mental health issues already common in this population.
• Online mental health services are available, but older individuals have limited access and knowledge to take advantage of these resources.  The authors also note very long wait times for these patients to access direct mental health care.  They encourage more attention to be paid to these vulnerable members of the society. 

Yang et al. (Feb 18, 2020). Mental health services for older adults in China during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30079-1