Social, health, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the epidemiological control measures: First results from SHARE Corona Waves 1 and 2

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on older Europeans, with economic and social effects varying across countries. This book combines SHARE with telephone surveys to analyze policy-related issues such as social distancing, health, social and economic inequality, essential health care, lockdown, remote work, and housing conditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2023
Publisher: De Gruyter

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant threat to the well-being of older Europeans, with its economic and social effects varying across countries. This multidisciplinary book presents the first results of analyses combining the renowned longitudinal database of SHARE with new data from two telephone surveys uniquely conducted during the pandemic. The analyses address important policy-related issues, such as:

Did social distancing destabilize family and social support networks?

Did the pandemic increase health, social, and economic inequality?

Who had to forego essential health care because of the pandemic?

Did lockdown affect one's physical and mental health?

Did the shift towards remote work affect workload and well-being?

Were different housing conditions related to the spread of the virus?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of older Europeans, affecting their health, social support networks, economic conditions, and access to essential healthcare services. This multidisciplinary book combines data from the SHARE longitudinal database and two telephone surveys conducted during the pandemic to examine these issues in depth.

The analyses reveal that social distancing measures implemented to combat the spread of the virus had a significant impact on older Europeans' family and social support networks. Many individuals reported feeling isolated and lonely, with limited opportunities to connect with family and friends. This isolation can have negative effects on mental health, leading to increased anxiety and depression.

The pandemic also exacerbated existing health inequalities among older Europeans. Those with pre-existing health conditions, such as chronic diseases, were at a higher risk of severe illness and mortality. Additionally, older individuals who were living in poverty or marginalized communities were more likely to experience food insecurity and limited access to healthcare services.

The shift towards remote work during the pandemic has had mixed effects on older Europeans' workload and well-being. While some individuals found that working from home reduced commuting time and increased flexibility, others reported experiencing increased stress and burnout due to the blurring of work and home life. Additionally, older workers who may not have access to technology or the necessary skills to work remotely were at a disadvantage.

Housing conditions also played a role in the spread of the virus among older Europeans. Those living in crowded or shared housing, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities, were at a higher risk of contracting the virus. Additionally, older individuals who were living in poverty or marginalized communities may have limited access to clean water and sanitation, which can increase the risk of infection.

To address these challenges, policymakers and healthcare providers need to prioritize the well-being of older Europeans during the pandemic. This may include implementing targeted support programs to address social isolation and loneliness, improving access to healthcare services, and providing financial assistance to those who are most vulnerable.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant threat to the well-being of older Europeans, with its economic and social effects varying across countries. This multidisciplinary book presents the first results of analyses combining the renowned longitudinal database of SHARE with new data from two telephone surveys uniquely conducted during the pandemic. The analyses address important policy-related issues, such as the impact of social distancing on family and social support networks, the increase in health, social, and economic inequality, the foregone essential health care due to the pandemic, the effects of lockdown on physical and mental health, the impact of remote work on workload and well-being, and the relationship between housing conditions and the spread of the virus. To address these challenges, policymakers and healthcare providers need to prioritize the well-being of older Europeans during the pandemic, implementing targeted support programs, improving access to healthcare services, and providing financial assistance to those who are most vulnerable.

Weight: 621g
Dimension: 230 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783111135779