Chronic Disease

Older couple sitting on a bench outdoors.

Study Seeks to Find the Relationship Between COVID-19, Social Isolation, and Mental Health in Older Adults

Q&A with Lindsay Kobayashi

Researchers from the University of Michigan are working on a study to determine the mental health impacts and well-being among older adults during the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 Coping Study, an online survey of US adults ages 55 and older, highlights the complexities and layers in which the virus impacts our society—in ways that are more than just contracting the disease.

a woman wearing a surgical face mask

Which Populations Are Most Vulnerable to the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Q&A with Sharon Kardia and Jon Zelner

For vulnerable populations—the elderly, those with chronic illness and mental health issues, and those without the means to work from home or access affordable health care—measures we've undertaken to slow the spread of coronavirus can have life-threatening consequences. To better understand how the virus will impact the most vulnerable, we spoke with University of Michigan School of Public Health epidemiologists Sharon Kardia and Jon Zelner.