PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE ELDERLY IN LATVIA: CHANGES IN COMMUNICATION PATTERNS

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted older adults, a group particularly vulnerable to both the virus and the social isolation measures implemented to contain its spread.This study explores the effects of the pandemic on the communication patterns and psychological well-being of elderly Latvians, utilizing data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).We focused on changes in social and digital interactions and their psychological ramifications across this demographic.Methods: To investigate these impacts, we analysed data from 744 respondents aged 50 years and older, drawn from the national component of the SHARE Wave 8, including COVID 1 Survey.The questionnaire included validated scales to assess changes in communication patterns, levels of social isolation, and psychological well-being, including scales for anxiety and loneliness.Descriptive statistics provided a broad overview of demographic characteristics and baseline communication habits, while chi-square tests were applied to examine the association between categorical variables such as age groups, digital communication adoption, and reported psychological distress.These methods offered insights into the direct correlation between increased digital communication in response to decreased face-to-face interactions and heightened levels of psychological distress among the elderly.Results: Results indicate a significant reduction in face-to-face social interactions with family, friends, and neighbours, particularly during the early stages of the pandemic.Concurrently, the use of digital communication increased as a substitute, though this adaptation was unevenly distributed.Individuals aged 50-59 were more likely to engage in digital interactions, while those aged 80 and above showed limited adoption due to technological barriers such as lack of access, digital literacy, and physical challenges like impaired vision or dexterity.Psychologically, the enforced isolation and communication changes had a profound effect.Many elderly individuals reported increased anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and even cognitive strain, exacerbated by the loss of regular face-to-face contact and the difficulties in adapting to new forms of digital communication.For some, digital interactions provided a crucial lifeline, maintaining connections with family and friends.However, for others, these interactions highlighted their limitations, deepening feelings of inadequacy and frustration.Conclusions: The study highlights the dual role of digital communication during the pandemic-acting as a buffer against isolation for those who could use it effectively, while underscoring the risks of exclusion for those who could not.These findings emphasize the need for proactive policies to address both the social and psychological vulnerabilities of older adults in times of crisis.Recommendations include increasing access to user-friendly technology, providing digital literacy training, and ensuring accessible mental health support to mitigate the risks of isolation and its psychological effects.