Loneliness, Depression and Cognition in Older Adults: A Comparative Study of a Rural Municipality

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought consequences for the mental health of older adults, with a major impact expected in the long time. The aim of this study was to compare the cognition, feelings of loneliness and depressive symptomatology of institutionalized and noninstitutionalized older adults of a rural municipality. Methods: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional study, with a sample of 252 people over 65 years old residing in a rural municipality of the Alentejo region, Portugal. The group of institutionalized elderly was composed of 116 participants and the group of elderly residents at home was composed of 136 participants. Results: Statistically significant differences were obtained between the groups, with the institutionalized elderly obtaining higher levels of depression and loneliness and greater cognitive impairment compared to the elderly residing at home. Moreover, the greater the loneliness, the greater the depression and cognitive impairment. Conclusion: A change in social and health policies is needed, with emphasis on issues related to the mental health of institutionalized older adults.