The COVID-19 pandemic has caused confusion and upset in many areas of life,resulting in humanity’s rapid adjustment to changes to contain the virus.The high infection rates have stipulated many governments to introdu...The COVID-19 pandemic has caused confusion and upset in many areas of life,resulting in humanity’s rapid adjustment to changes to contain the virus.The high infection rates have stipulated many governments to introduce severe restrictions on individual freedoms to minimize broader contagion.These strict hygienic protocols have disrupted the daily routines of many people of all ages,especially third-age citizens.The elderly,one of the most vulnerable sections of the population,seem to be paying the highest toll in terms of contagion and deaths.In this study we aim to investigate the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic contagion measures have impacted the loneliness and anxiety levels of third-age citizens(65+)in Cyprus and Greece and to explore the potential role of counseling in improving their psychological well-being.Quarantine and social isolation measures have eliminated the social life of senior citizens,creating the potential for loneliness and anxiety symptoms making the need for supportive mechanisms,e.g.,through counseling,even more imminent.Our research is quantitative.We collected data through an online survey that included the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale and the UCLA Loneliness Scale.Our sample consisted of 156 Greeks and Cypriots of both genders aged 65-85 years old.Findings indicated very high levels of anxiety and loneliness,with values on both scales rising above average.Only a tiny percentage of third-age citizens were able to access counseling services during the social isolation measures.展开更多
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文摘The COVID-19 pandemic has caused confusion and upset in many areas of life,resulting in humanity’s rapid adjustment to changes to contain the virus.The high infection rates have stipulated many governments to introduce severe restrictions on individual freedoms to minimize broader contagion.These strict hygienic protocols have disrupted the daily routines of many people of all ages,especially third-age citizens.The elderly,one of the most vulnerable sections of the population,seem to be paying the highest toll in terms of contagion and deaths.In this study we aim to investigate the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic contagion measures have impacted the loneliness and anxiety levels of third-age citizens(65+)in Cyprus and Greece and to explore the potential role of counseling in improving their psychological well-being.Quarantine and social isolation measures have eliminated the social life of senior citizens,creating the potential for loneliness and anxiety symptoms making the need for supportive mechanisms,e.g.,through counseling,even more imminent.Our research is quantitative.We collected data through an online survey that included the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale and the UCLA Loneliness Scale.Our sample consisted of 156 Greeks and Cypriots of both genders aged 65-85 years old.Findings indicated very high levels of anxiety and loneliness,with values on both scales rising above average.Only a tiny percentage of third-age citizens were able to access counseling services during the social isolation measures.
