The Platform
The Platform
15 March 2021
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has severely affected the mental health and well-being of older people. As a high-risk group for severe disease and mortality, older people had to be especially cautious to avoid contracting the virus. Adherence to public health and social measures left them facing extended periods of social isolation, interrupted care services and exclusion from societal life. Living with the Times is a mental health and psychosocial support toolkit developed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (IASC MHPSS RG), co-chaired by the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The toolkit specifically addresses the coping needs of older people during the pandemic. It contains five large posters and an instruction manual for caregivers that can be printed out or used on screen.
This toolkit is for all older people experiencing mental and psychosocial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for professionals and groups who are supporting them. The posters were developed in collaboration with a network of MHPSS technical working groups at country level and piloted with older adults from different countries, income groups and contexts, including humanitarian settings. The toolkit has been translated into 14 languages and adapted into accessible formats for people with special needs, such as braille for visually impaired people.
Age-friendly Environments
Combatting Ageism
Integrated Care
Long-term Care
Civil Society Organization
Health Care
Social Care
UN Agency
