In recent years, we have faced challenges in managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in older adults. The pandemic has precipitated a global health crisis that impeded older adults from maintaining their health. Disruption of the routine management of chronic diseases, physical inactivity deteriorating physical function and quality of life, malnutrition, and mental disorders have been suggested as major threats to the health of older adults. To address these problems and facilitate reactivation of normal care activities, this article summarizes the contents of a webinar held by the
In recent years, we have faced challenges in addressing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Not surprisingly, the pandemic has changed people’s lives, especially those of older adults. We have witnessed a crisis in geriatric care services, undermining the possibility for older adults to maintain their capacities and abilities during the pandemic. Disruptions in the routine management of chronic diseases, physical inactivity worsening physical function and quality of life, malnutrition, and mental disorders are major threats to the health of older adults.
Social distancing measures have been introduced since the beginning of the pandemic. Although many guidelines and recommendations to preserve physical and psychological health have also been provided,
These challenges highlight the importance of future geriatric and gerontological research. Understanding and addressing the unique needs of older adults can help them to bounce forward and improve their health outcomes in the face of future challenges. In this article, the editors of the
At the annual webinar held by the AGMR on October 6, 2022, distinguished scholars of geriatric medicine held an in-depth discussion regarding the future of geriatric medicine and research in the post-COVID-19 era, particularly highlighting the priorities to be addressed by geriatric and gerontology journals.
The webinar was an opportunity to discuss the responses to protect the geriatric population from infectious diseases, how geriatric care was conducted during the pandemic, countermeasures taken to preserve the health of older people, and the impact of the pandemic on geriatric research and scientific journals. From the beginning of the pandemic, the United Nations and World Health Organization provided guidelines to protect the older population from infection and informed them about how to preserve optimal health. In a specific call to action, the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) emphasized the need to balance pandemic control and prevent consequences due to restrictions in the older population.
In addition, the reduced immunological capacity of older persons, their high vulnerability to COVID-19, and their vaccination-related side effects were discussed. While the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 are well established, studies exploring its efficacy and safety in older persons, especially among the frailest adults (e.g., nursing home residents), are still relatively scarce.
Excess mortality has frequently been used to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the population. The number of deaths during the pandemic has been reported worldwide.
To deliver critical information during the pandemic and facilitate scientific advancements against COVID-19, most academic journals have conducted fast-track peer-reviewing and prioritized the publication of articles on the disease. Consequently, the volume of articles in the field has been massive and the impact factors of major medical journals have been affected by substantial changes from such an irregular pattern of publication. AGMR has published 14 articles on COVID-19 until last September, contributing to an increase in the Scopus impact score to 2.7. However, in the webinar, the participants discussed the need to focus more on the paper quality. We should always remember the reasons for the publication. The increasing number of misconduct reports and retractions should be considered in terms of quality assurance and ethical eligibility of journals.
As we approach the end of the pandemic, it is time to rethink how resilience can be promoted and geriatric care be developed in this new world. Since older age represents a critical risk factor for infectious diseases, we should explore the specific phenotypes and main mechanisms of immunosenescence responsible for the onset of severe forms of diseases in older adults. Further research is needed to identify the main immune-related indicators that can predict disease severity. During a public health crisis, what are the long-term effects of the decline and worsening of intrinsic capacity among older adults? Large-sized, multicenter, international, and prospective longitudinal cohort studies are necessary to observe and track health trajectories and predict future risks and consequences. Strategic plans to mitigate the negative consequences of future pandemics should be introduced, with evidence supporting the feasibility and effectiveness of specific interventions. In addition, the ongoing status and plausible causes for the excess deaths in the older population during the COVID-19 period, and the needs in the geriatric and gerontologic fields to minimize such events are critical points to explore to prepare adequate countermeasures in the case of a future public health crisis. Epidemiological studies and policy-driven approaches to this issue should be highlighted in the post-pandemic era.
Furthermore, it is important to note that COVID-19 has substantially reshaped the older population in three major ways: (1) the frailest died, (2) survivors who were infected may have been experiencing an acceleration of their aging process, and (3) those who were not infected have still suffered from the social restrictions and limited access to care. In other words, this post-pandemic older population is a different one compared to the pre-pandemic. Therefore, these aspects should be considered for future clinical and research activities. For example, is a cohort/biobank of older persons generated in the pre-pandemic period still valid to explore specific biological or clinical manifestations? The results should be carefully read and interpreted. Similarly, should the recruitment of participants between those who have experienced the disease compared with those who have not be differented? This is a salient consideration, given the different life experiences and biological/clinical consequences.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of geriatric and gerontological research to address the unique needs of older adults. The challenges posed by the pandemic, such as disruption of the routine management of chronic diseases and physical inactivity worsening physical function, have led to poor health outcomes in older adults. Bouncing forward and improving the health outcomes of older adults in the post-pandemic future requires understanding and addressing these challenges through research and evidence-based approaches. In addition, the pandemic has highlighted the need for better preparedness and response to future infectious diseases as well as the need for more robust and resilient healthcare systems that can adapt to new challenges. By addressing these issues, we can ensure that older adults are better equipped to cope with future challenges and to maintain their health and well-being.
As we are on the verge of a paradigm shift towards a post-pandemic future, AGMR especially welcomes any type of review and original research raising questions and providing answers to the above-raised issues. Special issues in the upcoming year will provide an effective way for in-depth discussions and contribute to post-pandemic recovery.
The researchers claim no conflicts of interest.
None.
Supervision: WF, MC. Writing-original draft: JHN, JYL. Writing-review & editing: MC, HA, WSL, HWJ, HG, TWA.