Mental health challenges of older adults in Nigeria: the COVID 19 experience

This research examined the mental health challenges of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria using interpretive phenomenology. The consequences of these challenges on the quality of life of older people were also explored. The coping ability of older adults differs from younger adults during crisis which can cause severe hardship and psychological trauma, that affect the mental health of older adults. Five female and 8 male older adults were purposively selected for interview using an in-depth interview guide containing 10 open-ended questions. Data from the study were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that fear of death, grief, depression, and social isolation are the major challenges of older adults which affected their mental well-being and relationship with family and friends. Older adult’s quality of life could be improved with timely and effective interventions. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and health care professionals should increase awareness and respond to challenges of older people during health crises. Education on safety measures is recommended to reduce the impact of crisis on mental health of older adults. A health policy framework would improve the quality of life of older adults in Nigeria and enable them to contribute their quota to the development of the society.