More Caution Needed to Keep Older Adults Safe From COVID-19

A survey of 72,417 people of all ages across 27 different countries in PLOS ONE suggests that older adults are not more willing to isolate when asked to, and are not more compliant with several preventive measures against COVID-19 despite their greater vulnerability to infection, reports Medical Xpress . People are no more willing than those in their 50s and 60s to voluntarily self-isolate if they begin to feel sick or if they are advised to do so by a doctor or health official. Those aged 60 to 80 also are less likely than younger demographics to wear a mask outside their home. However, older adults are more likely to avoid public transit, small gatherings, and having guests over. The implication is that initiatives to improve public health strategies are needed to encourage older adults to comply with preventive measures, which could be informed by a deeper comprehension of seniors' attitudes and compliance.