Longitudinal effects of COVID-19-related loneliness on symptoms of mental distress among older adults in Austria

Abstract Objective COVID-19-related social restrictions resulted in more loneliness, but whether this had further effects on mental health remains unclear. This study aimed at examining the longitudinal effects of COVID-19-related loneliness on mental health among older adults (60+) in Austria. Study design Survey data were gathered from a longitudinal observational study among a random sample of older Austrian adults. The first survey wave was conducted in May 2020 (N1 = 557) and the second wave in March 2021 (N2 = 463). Methods Data collection was based on either computer-assisted web or telephone interviewing. For statistical analysis, we used a cross-lagged panel analysis. Results Results showed the perceived COVID-19-related social restrictions to predict loneliness, which in turn predicted depressive and anxiety symptoms ten months later. Conclusions COVID-19-related loneliness emerged as a risk factor for subsequent mental distress among older adults in Austria.