It has been eight weeks since the Swedish authorities issued the information that people over 70 years belong to the risk group for covid-19 and therefore should avoid going public transport, go shopping and meet children and grandchildren. In addition, a ban on visits to the country's elderly housing has been introduced. 

The new situation can lead to many feeling lonely, which in turn can lead to mental and physical ill health. Research has shown that involuntary loneliness is just as dangerous for health as smoking and overweight. 

"In our modern society, it is a public health problem," says Gerhard Andersson, professor of clinical psychology at Linköping University.

There may be positive effects

The situation is worst for the group of elderly people living in the elderly, but how older people living at home are affected during the corona pandemic is more difficult to say about, he says. 

- For them it is not a matter of total isolation, quite a few can replace their social contacts by meeting outdoors with distance, and with social media and video calls. It is mainly the physical proximity that has perished.  

There are clear negative effects, but individual people can also experience positive effects of the new situation, says Gerhard Andersson.  

- You may talk more often with children and grandchildren through the forced physical distancing.

Routines are important

But for those who feel alone after all, there are things you can do to feel better. Routines are important, and so are social habits.  

- For example, one can make sure to have a time each or every other day when talking to their children or grandchildren, it can be easier, says Gerhard Andersson. 

His advice for breaking loneliness is to use the tools we have in our modern society.  

- Ask someone for help if technology is difficult.