Older people are “happier, more contented, and have a greater sense of purpose” than before the COVID-19 pandemic, a study has found.
Researchers analysed data from a long-term investigation, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, tracking the welfare of 3, 999 people aged 50 in England over time.
The crisis resulted in the findings of the experts, who found that those surveyed reported that their pleasure, eudaemonic welfare, which measures whether life feels useful, and career fulfillment all fell.
But, Paola Zaninotto, professor of medical and social figures at UCL’s Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, said “remarkably” people reported higher joy, wellbeing and happiness since then.
” As many would expect, we found that welfare declined during the pandemic, and cases of depression rose”, she said.
” Obwohl depression is still a little more prominent than it was before the pandemic, surprisingly, older people ultimately are now happier, more content, and have a sense of purpose than before,” says the report.
The study did indicate that the 50-year-olds surveyed’ levels of depression have not yet reached pre-pandemic degrees.
Around 11.4 % reported depressive symptoms before COVID-19, which rose to 27.2 % in late 2020. Post-pandemic, the study found levels of depression had fallen to 14.9 %- however above pre-COVID images.
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Ms. Zaninotto continued,” we can only speculate on the causes” why those surveyed reported feeling better after COVID-19, but that” the pandemic had a tremendous impact on the wellbeing of older people in England.”
It might be reflected in a renewed appreciation for cultural connections and significant activities as well as increased mental resilience following a difficult time, she said.
” This good change may also have been attributed to the improved health security brought on by widespread treatments.
We observed discernible differences between poverty and age, which highlights the importance of targeted support measures to address the lingering and immediate results of pandemics on the well-being of our older people.
The research was published in the journal Aging and Mental Health.