Long COVID-19: The Need for an Interdisciplinary Approach

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) involves persistent symptoms lasting over two months.
• Elderly individuals may experience unspecific symptoms like functional deterioration, cognitive impairment, or delirium alongside typical COVID-19 symptoms.
• These unspecific symptoms can mask the true prevalence of Long COVID in the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the unique presentation of Long COVID in the elderly.
• To emphasize the severe consequences of Long COVID in older adults, including functional decline, sarcopenia, frailty, and cognitive disorders.
• To propose a multicomponent, individualized intervention program for older adults with Long COVID.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research on Long COVID in the elderly.
• Analysis of symptom presentation, consequences, and potential management strategies.
• Focus on the need for individualized, multicomponent interventions.

Main Results:

• Long COVID in the elderly is characterized by a combination of typical and unspecific symptoms.
• Functional deterioration, sarcopenia, frailty, and cognitive impairment are significant consequences.
• A comprehensive approach integrating exercise, nutrition, and cognitive stimulation is indicated.

Conclusions:

• Long COVID poses a significant threat to the functional status and cognitive health of older adults.
• Individualized, multicomponent interventions are essential for managing Long COVID in this demographic.
• Emerging technologies may offer valuable support for these interventions.