More Than Half of Day-Care Centers for the Elderly Remain Closed

On the International Day of the Elderly, Oscar Ribeiro, a researcher at CINTESIS – Center for Health Technology and Services Research / University of Aveiro, spoke about the concerns raised by the closure of day-care centers and the isolation of older people.

The researcher recalled the possible consequences on the mental health of the elderly, following the measures imposed by the pandemic of COVID-19.

“This change may imply a significant reduction in functional capacity and a worsening of the cognitive and emotional state. It may even exacerbate some existing neuropsychiatric symptoms”, he fears.

Oscar Ribeiro was one of the participants in the presentation of the report of “Portugal Mais Velho”, an initiative of the Calouste Gulkenkian Foundation and the Association of Support to the Victim (APAV).

Read more in the newspaper Observador (in Portuguese).