A new study in Nature Portfolio looks at the mental health impact that COVID-19 restrictions have had on different age groups.
The report found that "the mental health of young adults (18−34 years old) was the most affected by restrictions, while that of older adults (>55 years old) was less affected. In addition, demographic and health characteristics associated with differences in mental health varied by age group." The study also found that physical exercise had a big impact with better physical health "correlated with lower levels of moderate mental distress. Excellent physical health was strongly correlated with a lower probability of moderate mental distress, in comparison with poor physical health (odds ratio from 0.15−0.20), i.e., an individual with poor physical health was five times more likely to feel moderate mental distress. Very good physical health in comparison with poor physical health was related to a lower likelihood of moderate mental distress for all age groups. For older adults, good physical health was related to a lower likelihood of mental distress."
