Project results of the subproject on older people have been published in the international journal of Gerontology, series B. The study shows the impact of the Dutch policy to keep citizens physically distanced on 1,679 Dutch community-dwelling participants aged 65 to 102 years old comprising a longitudinal online panel. Data were collected in May 2020, i.e., two months after the implementation of the measures, and earlier in October and November 2019. Results show that while loneliness of older people increased, mental health remained roughly stable. The policy measures for physical distancing did not cause much social isolation but personal losses, worries about the pandemic, and a decline in trust in societal institutions were associated with increased mental health problems and especially emotional loneliness. Find the full study results here: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbaa111.
