Increased feelings of nervousness among older Europeans post-pandemic

Abstract Background Feelings of nervousness are typically associated with situational factors and are temporary, less intense, and manageable with self-care. Study Aim This study examines which situational conditions are significant for feeling nervous among European older adults during the second wave of COVID-19. Methods Using data from Wave 9, COVID-19 Survey 2 (Summer, 2021) of the cross-national panel dataset the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), this study utilizes a sample of 49,253 adults over 50 years old from 27 countries in Europe. Analysis: Binary logistic regression indicates all variables are significant predictors of feeling nervous: Gender [Wald= 498.7, p = 0.001 (<0.05)]; chronic disease [Wald= 1635.002 p = 0.001 (<0.05)], employment [Wald= 164.544, p = 0.001 (<0.05)]; home care [Wald= 138.4, p = 0.001 (<0.05)], technology [Wald= 20.66, p = 0.001 (<0.05)]; social support [Wald= 106.66, p = 0.001 (<0.05)], and financial support [Wald=35.5, p = 0.001 (<0.05)] [Chi-Square=3216.401, df = 6 and p = 0.001 (p < 0.05)]. Findings The odds ratio (OR) for gender is .627 (95% CI .601- .653), for chronic disease, is 2.659 (95% CI: 1.716 - 4.119) and employment is .675 (95% CI: .635-.717) and homecare is (OR)3.47(95% CI: 2.83-4.28); OR for social support is 855(95% CI:.830-.881), financial support 1.779 (95% CI: 1.47-2.15), and technology (OR).956 (95% CI: 938-.975). The model correctly predicted 94% of cases without feeling nervous and 16% of cases where people did feel nervous, giving an overall percentage correct prediction rate of 68%. Implications for Policy and Practice: Knowledge from this study can inform the introduction of public health interventions for older adults targeted toward specific situational circumstances that reduce nervousness. Key messages • While feelings of nervousness can be situational, the impact on mental health can go beyond the contextual environment. • Public health policies can support targeted interventions aimed at developing the coping skills necessary to better respond in times of crisis.