Older Adults & COVID: Rehabilitation Needs & Global Lessons Learned.

Older adults living in both community and long-term care settings were highly vulnerable to gaps in care. We will present research evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health as well as healthcare access for older adults, while reflecting on some lessons learned. In the first part of the presentation will discuss ways in which community dwelling older adults may prove to be more resilient than their younger counterparts. In the second part, we will examine data from more specific elderly populations, namely those with sensory loss (hearing, vision), discuss key challenges they encounter, and identify ways to improve access to healthcare and health information during and post pandemic era.