Charles Sturt University has put a call out for Australians aged 60 and over to participate in research on how COVID-19 is impacting the mental health of older Australians – including whether their risk of suicide has increased.
The survey – ‘Resilience Among Older Adults During COVID-19’ – asks participants a number of questions regarding the pandemic’s effect on their mental health and experiences.
The project’s lead researcher Professor Suzanne McLaren from the Charles Sturt School of Psychology, says the study will help identify factors that increase suicide risk, as well as those that can protect older Australians during times of crisis.
“Research following the 2003 SARS pandemic in Hong Kong showed the social isolation required to minimise rates of infection among older adults was linked to increased rates of suicide,” she said.
“By participating in this study, you will assist health professionals who are working to improve the mental health of older Australians and to enhance suicide prevention efforts, especially during a health crisis that requires older adults to self-isolate.”
The survey is open until Monday 31 August 2020. You can access the online version here, and print copies can be obtained via telephone on (02) 6582 9459.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
