[Everyday Life and Mental Health of Elderly with Cognitive Impairment During the Covid-19 Pandemic]. / Lebensalltag und psychosoziale Gesundheit älterer Menschen mit kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen während der COVID-19-Pandemie.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to analyze pandemic-related effects on everyday life and psychosocial health in the understudied vulnerable group of cognitively impaired elderly people living at home. METHODS: Structured telephone interviews in 2020 (n+=+141) and 2021 (n+=+107) were used to survey over-65s with cognitive impairment (MMSE Ø 23.4). The results from the 2021 survey presented here reflect experiences and attitudes, effects on daily life and health care, and psychosocial burdens and resources. Longitudinal analysis of selected indicators of burden is provided for n+=+66. RESULTS: Even in the face of increasing concerns and moderate impacts on everyday life and health care, overall psychosocial health is proving to be good and largely stable over time. CONCLUSION: Respondents have high levels of personal and social resources, and their coping with limitations is characterized by acceptance and willingness to adapt.