Stirling University is launching a new study into how the covid-19 pandemic has affected the wellbeing of older people.

Professor Anna Whittaker will lead the project that hopes to provide a crucial understanding of the negative impacts of social distancing in people aged over 70 in Scotland, as well as strategies to combat them.

Funded by the Scottish Government’s rapid research in covid-19 programme, researchers will look at how social restrictions to try to reduce the spread of coronavirus have impacted levels of loneliness, wellbeing and physical activity.

Whether there have been any positive developments will also form part of the research, such as an increase in the number of older people using technology to stay in touch with loved ones and friends.

Professor Whittaker, an expert in behavioural medicine, said: “We are really excited to start this project and believe our research will help inform the covid-19 response – not only here in Scotland and across the UK, but worldwide too.

“We will investigate concerns that social distancing may cause – or exacerbate – feelings of loneliness in older people and adversely impact their wellbeing and physical activity levels.

“However, we’re also aware that many in this group have adopted new approaches to cope with the current situation – and will consider any positive impacts derived from this.”

Participants will be asked to complete an online or over-the-phone survey about how lockdown has impacted them and what they have been doing to stay physically and socially active.

The study is one of ten major projects being undertaken by Stirling University into the impact of covid-19 after it was awarded almost £500,000 by the Scottish Government.

Previous studies have demonstrated that social isolation can have serious implications for individuals’ mental health and even life expectancy.

“This is a key issue for older people in normal circumstances,” explained Professor Whittaker.

“The current social distancing rules will have greatest impact on the older population and other vulnerable groups, who already report high loneliness, and it could become a major problem.”

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