[The impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the elderly mental health and psychosocial support.].

The spread of the COVID-19 epidemic is accompanied by psychosocial problems that have negative consequences for the mental health (MH) and quality of life (QoL) of the majority of the population. The elderly (65+ individuals) with chronic somatic diseases and reduced adaptation reserves are particularly at risk. In General, the epidemic highlighted the growing problems of psychosocial work with the 65+ cohort in the conditions of progressive aging of the population of many developed and developing countries. These problems are directly related to the preservation of MH and QoL of elderly people, people with disabilities, and others. Additional reserves should be sought to support these categories of individuals. In particular, the use of remote tele-consulting and assistive information technologies that enhance the communication capabilities of older persons is relevant. The article analyzes publications that offer practical recommendations for reducing the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on MH and QoL in a cohort of 65+ individuals. As a starting point of the discussion, the article by A.G.Golubev et al., in which the issues of public support for 65+ persons are considered to be the most relevant in the field of gerontology in the context of emergency response to the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, is considered.