Introduction:

The COVID-19 epidemic has overburdened health services, so older age groups may be more vulnerable to the determinants of health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective:

To analyse health and its determinants in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic period in a Mediterranean area.

Methodology:

Observational cross-sectional study carried out in in a Mediterranean area, Spain. Participants: 158, COVID-19 patients (n = 40) and patients with other non-COVID-19 pathologies (n = 118). Inclusion criteria: People over 60 years of age who were seen in the basic health area of study during the COVID-19 pandemic from 23 February 2021 to 15 May 2021. A validated semi-structured interview was used.

Results:

Ages ranged from 60 to 94 years with a mean age (SD 77.297). A greater comorbidity was observed in both groups in men, as well as a greater smoking habit. With respect to the variable of living with a partner, a significant association was observed in both groups and by sex (p < 0.009). With regard to the use of new technologies, no significance was observed and the values obtained were very low in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion:

It seems necessary to raise awareness among institutions and to encourage families, voluntary organizations and community projects to support and communicate with people in this age group in pandemic contexts. In turn, the use of social resources should be implemented and encouraged to improve assistance and care for the elderly to prevent the negative effects of the pandemic related to social isolation.

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