Abstract
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which started in Wuhan in China, revealed the fragility of many health systems. In developing countries like Ghana, vulnerable populations such as older adults have been exposed to health, social, and financial risks. Existing evidence shows that older adults are at a higher risk of contracting the disease due to their declining immune functioning and challenges with comorbid health conditions [1]. Consequently, older populations require protection and support to manage their living conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several studies and commentaries have highlighted the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults’ health concerns, including increased risk of elder abuse and neglect [2,3] and social isolation leading to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive decline, and mental health problems [4]. The fear of COVID-19 infection has created emotional insecurity and anxiety disorders. These physical and emotional challenges make older populations more susceptible to financial difficulties during the pandemic [4]. Protecting older adults from exposure to the virus remains an essential component of maintaining their health and well-being during the global pandemic.
While much has been written on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a paucity of evidence on the linkage between the financial vulnerability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and health outcomes of older adults aged 60+ in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Investigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on older adults’ health outcomes and well-being is crucial for developing social interventions that seek to provide financial support to vulnerable older populations so that their health does not deteriorate. In this viewpoint, we highlight some dynamics of older adults aged 60+ and their financial vulnerability and health outcomes during the global COVID-19 crisis, which has not been studied so far.
Several studies and commentaries have highlighted the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults’ health concerns, including increased risk of elder abuse and neglect [2,3] and social isolation leading to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive decline, and mental health problems [4]. The fear of COVID-19 infection has created emotional insecurity and anxiety disorders. These physical and emotional challenges make older populations more susceptible to financial difficulties during the pandemic [4]. Protecting older adults from exposure to the virus remains an essential component of maintaining their health and well-being during the global pandemic.
While much has been written on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a paucity of evidence on the linkage between the financial vulnerability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and health outcomes of older adults aged 60+ in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Investigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on older adults’ health outcomes and well-being is crucial for developing social interventions that seek to provide financial support to vulnerable older populations so that their health does not deteriorate. In this viewpoint, we highlight some dynamics of older adults aged 60+ and their financial vulnerability and health outcomes during the global COVID-19 crisis, which has not been studied so far.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 03021 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal of Global Health |
| Volume | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Apr 2022 |
