Investigation the balance, functional mobility, quality of life, fear of COVID-19 and emotional state of the elderly infected and non-infected with COVİD-19

This study was carried out to investigate the status of elderly individuals who survived the Covid-19 disease in terms of different parameters such as balance, functional mobility, activities of daily living, quality of life, fear of Covid-19, depression. A total of 107 elderly individuals aged 65 and over were included in the study, including 52 elderly individuals who survived the Covid-19 disease and 55 elderly individuals who non-infected Covid-19 disease. The sociodemographic information of the participants was recorded. The Berg Balance Scale was used to evaluate the balance levels, the Timed Up and Go Test was used to evaluate the functional mobility levels, and the Functional Independence Scale was used to evaluate the activities of daily living. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) was used to evaluate the quality of life, the Covid-19 Fear Scale was used to evaluate the Covid-19 Fear levels, the Geriatric Depression Scale was used to evaluate the symptoms of depression. In our study, statistically significant differences were found between elderly individuals who survived Covid-19 disease and non-infected Covid-19 disease in terms of balance, functional mobility, activities of daily living, quality of life, fear of Covid-19 and depression. In our study, it was determined that the elderly who survived Covid-19 disease compared to the elderly who non-infected Covid-19 disease had worse in terms of balance, functional mobility and activities of daily living, quality of life status also they had more fear of Covid-19 and more depression symptoms. As a result of this study, it was determined that elderly individuals covid-19 survivors were adversely affected physically and mentally. Elderly individuals who have had Covid-19 should be supported with rehabilitative approaches in order to regain their functionality. In addition, in the event of a global epidemic that may occur in the future, it is considered necessary to support elderly individuals with early rehabilitation programs.