Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in older adults in Argentina

The objective was to evaluate the psychological variables of older adults in Argentina during COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify psychological predictors of fear of COVID-19. 198 older adults from Rosario, Argentina participated (Mage= 66.6 years old, SD = 4.8). The tests and questionaries used consisted of The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, The Patient Health Questionnaire -9, Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey, Purpose in life Test and Fear of COVID-19 Scale. 25.1% and 19.1% of the population presented a potential diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Episode (MDE), respectively, 71.4% enough social support, and 40.8% indefinite life purpose. Fear of COVID-19 presented a negative correlation with life purpose and social support, and positive correlation with anxiety and depression. Life purpose predicted fear of COVID-19 (beta =-.229, t =-3.38, p = .001). State policies are required to mitigate and restrain isolation subjective effects in older population.