Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among older adults during COVID-19 lockdowns: a systematic review and meta-analysis
AI Summary
Pooled prevalence among older adults: anxiety 12.82% (95% CI 9.13-17.72); depression 15.01% (95% CI 11.61-19.19).
Anxiety prevalence was moderated by female proportion, study quality, lockdown duration, travel and workplace policies, and changes in human mobility.
Depressive prevalence associated with study quality, international travel controls and public transport closure, informing mental health responses during public health emergencies.
Aging Ment Health. 2026 Jul 6:1-14. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2690401. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 lockdowns presented an unprecedented challenge to public mental health. The impact of these lockdowns on older adults remains unclear. To quantify the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among older adults during COVID-19 lockdowns, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS: We systematically searched nine electronic databases for relevant literature published in English or Chinese, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to November 29, 2024. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool was used to assess the risk of bias. A random-effects model was used to calculate the overall pooled prevalence.
RESULTS: A total of 51 articles, encompassing 57 studies, satisfied the inclusion criteria and included data from 26,616 participants across 23 countries. The estimated prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was 12.82% (95% CI: 9.13-17.72) and 15.01% (95% CI:11.61-19.19), respectively. Factors significantly associated with anxiety symptom prevalence included the proportion of females, study quality, lockdown duration, international travel control policies, workplace closure policies, and changes in human mobility across six categories of location. Factors significantly associated with depressive symptom prevalence included study quality, international travel control policies, and public transport closure policies.
CONCLUSIONS: This study enhances our understanding of anxiety and depression symptoms among older adults during COVID-19 lockdowns, notably revealing the moderating effects of human mobility on anxiety symptoms. The findings offer tentative insights for comprehending and addressing the psychological impact of major public health emergencies on older adults.
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