A STUDY at the University of Stirling will focus on the social impact the coronavirus is having on the elderly.

The project will examine the impact of the pandemic on social contact, loneliness, wellbeing and physical activity among older adults.

Funded by the Scottish Government’s Rapid Research in Covid-19 programme, the research will look to provide crucial understanding of the negative impacts of social distancing in people over the age of 70.

It will also explore strategies that could enhance social engagement and physical activity during the crisis.

Researchers will seek to identify any positive impacts to emerge as well, such as whether the use of technology has increased among this group.

Professor Anna Whittaker, of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, is an expert in behavioural medicine and will be leading the project.

She said: “We are really excited to start this project and believe our research will help inform the Covid-19 response – not only here in Scotland and across the UK, but worldwide too.

“We will investigate concerns that social distancing may cause – or exacerbate – feelings of loneliness in older people and adversely impact their wellbeing and physical activity levels.

“However, we’re also aware that many in this group have adopted new approaches to cope with the current situation – and will consider any positive impacts derived from this.”

Previous cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have demonstrated that social isolation can have serious health implications – ranging from mental health issues to, in some cases, mortality.

Professor Whittaker added: “This is a key issue for older people in normal circumstances.

“The current social distancing rules will have greatest impact on the older population and other vulnerable groups, who already report high loneliness and it could become a major problem.”