COVID-19’s Continued Challenges

ICAP at Columbia University has released new results from its SILVER Study revealing that older New Yorkers living at home have encountered a range of issues in the wake of the pandemic. “The pandemic exacerbated social, economic, and structural inequities that have resulted in notable negative consequences,” says Abigail Greenleaf, MPH ’12, PhD, who leads the SILVER research team.

Phone surveys of New Yorkers aged 70 years or older living at home reveal that depression and anxiety remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Older New Yorkers with limited mobility and/or who did not often leave their homes were particularly vulnerable. Technology was a pain point, with fewer women than men having access to technology and confidence in their tech skills. This could enhance isolation and make access to health services challenging. Racial disparities also emerged: The study found that while 70 percent of white elders used video for telehealth conferences, others mainly used phone calls. A substantial proportion of older New Yorkers had also struggled to discern the accuracy of available health information.

The researchers recommend prioritizing the health—and particularly the mental health—needs of older adults, especially those with limited mobility. “The SILVER survey provides insights into how we can better meet the needs of different sectors of our society, so that, when the next health emergency strikes, they will have the support they require to stay healthy,” says Wafaa El-Sadr, MD, MPH ’91, MPA, ICAP’s director and co-lead of the New York City Pandemic Response Institute.