Mental sundhed og kronisk sygdom under COVID-19: Ældre borgere med kroniske sygdomme har haft særlige udfordringer under pandemien. Hvordan gør vi det lettere næste gang?

International research points to an increase in mental-health problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among people aged 65+ living with chronic illness. This is cause for concern, as mental-health problems are already widespread in this population group and can exacerbate chronic conditions. In this article, we shed light on how the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 affected the mental health of older people with chronic illness in Denmark. We emphasize the importance of psychological support and regular contact with the health sector, as this can reduce the psychological burden associated with the pandemic. In preparation for a future pandemic or other crisis, we call for a national strategy that can promote the mental health of older people with chronic illness.