Research with older people in a world with COVID-19: identification of current and future priorities, challenges and opportunities

Richardson, S. J. et al. (2020) Research with older people in a world with COVID-19: identification of current and future priorities, challenges and opportunities. Age and Ageing, 49(6), pp. 901-906. (doi: 10.1093/ageing/afaa149) (PMID:32584954) (PMCID:PMC7454250)

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Abstract

Older people are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a profound impact on research as well as clinical service delivery. This commentary identifies key challenges and opportunities in continuing to conduct research with and for older people, both during and after the current pandemic. It shares opinions from responders to an international survey, a range of academic authors and opinions from specialist societies. Priorities in COVID-19 research include its specific presentation in older people, consequences for physical, cognitive and psychological health, treatments and vaccines, rehabilitation, supporting care homes more effectively, the impact of social distancing, lockdown policies and system reconfiguration to provide best health and social care for older people. COVID-19 research needs to be inclusive, particularly involving older people living with frailty, cognitive impairment or multimorbidity, and those living in care homes. Non-COVID-19 related research for older people remains of critical importance and must not be neglected in the rush to study the pandemic. Profound changes are required in the way that we design and deliver research for older people in a world where movement and face-to-face contact are restricted, but we also highlight new opportunities such as the ability to collaborate more widely and to design and deliver research efficiently at scale and speed.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:COVID-19, older people, pandemic, research.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Quinn, Professor Terry
Authors: Richardson, S. J., Carroll, C. B., Close, J., Gordon, A. L., O'Brien, J., Quinn, T. J., Rochester, L., Sayer, A. A., Shenkin, S. D., van der Velde, N., Woo, J., and Witham, M. D.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Age and Ageing
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:0002-0729
ISSN (Online):1468-2834
Published Online:25 June 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 The Authors
First Published:First published in Age and Ageing 49(6): 901-906
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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