Social distancing, gathering restrictions and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to social isolation and loneliness
Groups vulnerable to social isolation:
(1) elderly
(2) children and adolescents
Risk factors for loneliness:
(1) living alone
(2) extroverts
(3) very limited contact with others
Video conferencing and social media may reduce isolation but for many this is insufficient to meet their need for social interaction.
Consequences:
(1) worse quality of life
(2) anxiety and/or depression
(3) self-neglect
(4) health deterioration (in the elderly)
