In New York City (NYC), older adults (75+) had seven times the mortality rate from COVID-19 compared to all ages (2,527 vs. 338 per 100,000 people). However, little is known about the mental health and social ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults (70+) who live at home (i.e. do not live in congregate care or institutional settings) in NYC. Older adults have generally been compelled to remain secluded from friends and family during the pandemic which could negatively impact mental health due to fear of the coronavirus.

To better understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults living at home, ICAP at Columbia University conducted a phone survey titled SARS-CoV-2 Impact on Lives and Views of Elderly Residents (“SILVER”).