The first COVID-19 case in the Philippines was announced on January 30, 2020, however, it was not until over a month later that the country was under the state of public health emergency.

The Philippines was placed on an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which was effectively considered as a total lockdown for two months in order to limit the movement of people and avoid crowding. All local government units were allowed to impose their own executive order of their ECQ laws which involves travel restrictions. Some local governments have gone to the extent of imposing curfews and arrests for those people that violate curfews and lockdown.

All over the world, countries experience some degree of “lockdown” which then requires people to stay at home, isolate themselves and maintain a social distance in order to avoid catching and prevent the spreading of the COVID-19 in order to break the chain of transmission. This actually felt that the world stopped for a minute and looked like a scenario from a movie.  

While the lockdown and other public health measures are designed to save and keep individuals from getting infected with COVID-19, there are however consequences on the mental health of older individuals who are at most risk. Coronavirus does not only cause a communicable disease but also cause all sorts of feelings like fear, anxiety or stress. With that being said, the constant and high levels of stress can negatively affect one’s mental health.

Imposing lockdown causes depression and anxiety

Older people are considered at higher risk for the Coronavirus disease because of their weaker immune system. This has led them to be always at their homes, venturing out only when extremely necessary like an emergency. Even young adults find it hard to cope up with situations of isolation. It is not easy to endure  with prolonged confinement. Because of this, older people that are mandated for isolation experience depressive symptoms, loneliness, pessimism, and disruption in sleeping patterns. 

A study showed that 37.1% of elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic in China showed significant increase in depression and anxiety. The break of the important day-to-day activities for older individuals can be a cause of  a negative impact on elderly’s cognitive impairment, leading to poorer mental health, low quality of life, and anxiety. 

Lack of socialization causes their mental health to spiral down 

Physical distancing is critical to lessen the spread of the virus, thus, the result is that many older individuals are now incapable to see friends, family and experience further isolation. Those who do not have access to the technology and have very limited resources are much more isolated because they are unable to connect with others outside of the home. The lack of social interaction can lead to distress and a decline in emotional well-being, this effect is more prominent especially among olders people who have limited understanding with the digital platforms.

In conclusion older Filipinos are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Yes, they only constitute less than 8% of the total population and only comprise one-third of all cases but older people have more than half of all deaths related to COVID-19. This underscores what is known by the many  that older individuals are at a higher risk for COVID-19, with greater morbidity and mortality for this disease.