Title: Covid-19, our Elderly and their Carers: the way forward

Biography:

Michael Galea has completed his PhD from the University of Loyola, Baltimore, MD, USA. He is a senior Lecturer at the University of Malta. He has published more than 22 papers in reputed journals, has published three books and presently working on two more books. Michael has worked in Africa, Europe and in the USA. Michael is well involved in the social media, where he presents a brief pre-recorded program aired daily in Malta. Moreover, he uploads a regular and brief video on his YouTube channel, ‘Psychology Minute with Michael Galea’, related to holistic wellness. 

Abstract

The present COVID-19 pandemic threatens humanity is various ways, especially due to the unpredictable nature of its course and progress. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health varies from place to place, but it is widely felt all over. The impact is more pronounced on vulnerable groups within every population. Research is beginning to show that this reality has both short term and long term impacts, and we need to address it holistically. This pandemic has struck where it really hurts: one of our basic human assumptions, that of a sense of control. Dealing with this fear of the unknown has brought us face to face with our existence and finiteness.