Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) Restrictions and Loneliness Among Residents in Long-Term Care Communities: Data From the National Health and Aging Trends Study

Loneliness is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among older adults.1 Residents in long-term care (LTC) communities have higher rates of loneliness than community-dwelling individuals.2 Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has disproportionately contributed to deaths in LTC communities, leading to measures to prevent the virus's spread such as prohibiting visitors.3 Although potentially life-saving, these actions may have negative implications given that social isolation increases risk for loneliness.