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To stay or not to stay at home? The unintended consequences of public health advice for older adults in the context of Covid-19 and urban heat

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  • Boni, Zofia
  • Bertel, Diotima
  • Adler, Viktoria

Abstract

Stay-at-home advice is one of the most widespread public health solutions to various health risks, including Covid-19 and heat stress. Authorities often direct this recommendation to adults above 65 years old, a group particularly vulnerable to multiple risks. While this advice aims to save lives, when prolonged it also comes with various negative unintended consequences. It increases older adults’ isolation and loneliness, which negatively affects their mental and physical health, as well as their wellbeing and quality of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Boni, Zofia & Bertel, Diotima & Adler, Viktoria, 2024. "To stay or not to stay at home? The unintended consequences of public health advice for older adults in the context of Covid-19 and urban heat," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:348:y:2024:i:c:s027795362400282x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116838
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