Modern developed countries all over the world have put in place measures to protect their most vulnerable population susceptible to the coronavirus of 2019 COVID-19. In a bold move to protect those over the age of 70 years old, Australian Government has put out a public health message to suggest older Australians to stay at home, including younger citizens with chronic diseases and lowered immunity. This self-isolation could last for a long time and will help with Australia's public health measures in containing the virus through community spread.
In recent weeks, domestic violence helplines increased 75% in Google search engines in Australia, suggesting that the other half of a couple who has been working form home may be contributing to an unsafe environment as more time is spent together. Time spend together working from home can be a good time for couples and families to bond, but can be a strain on weakened and failing relationships. The Australian Government has now invested AUD$1.1 billion for mental health and domestic violence support.
The social isolation of older Australians may lead to serious health conditions such as heightened risk of mental health problems. The disconnect between society and friendships puts older Australians at greater risk of depression and mental health problems.
In Australia, older Australians form bonds and connection over communal spaces at shopping centres, where the local cafe, supermarket, pharmacy and hairdressers. It is known that their only form of interaction would be out of the home, where similar-aged individuals strangers can converse about the topic of the day. For those who are lonely and isolated, this puts them at higher risk of mental and physical health consequences.
Older generations do not have the capabilities to use online technologies to connect with others as they rate of owning a smartphone is very low, let alone knowing how to use video call services and social media platforms to connect with their peers and even grandchildren. Our older Australians will therefore not be able to leverage upon online technologies to obtains the social support networks that younger Australians do due to poor digital literacy. The only way that can help mitigate serious mental health problems in the future is to formulate new ways to connect with older generations through methods that suits them the best. Social service and outreach organisations could perform more frequent landline calls to these individuals to 'just have a chat'. However due to lack of digital tools, older Australians will not be able to find out from the internet on which organisations provides such services. There is a connection gap between older Australians ability to access to these expanded social services. If this gap is not reduced, the negative social and health outcomes post-COVID-19 could lead to new problems once the pandemic is over.
We should all help each other as health professionals to target these older Australians, and refer them via suitable means to preventative support, especially those marginalised and disadvantaged populations in our community.