Reactions and coping strategies of elderly people to the crisis of SARS

The incidence of death due to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is prominent among the elderly and therefore shouldering an immense psychological burden. This article is a short report of a telephone survey of 396 community dwelling elderly persons that was conducted to explore their reactions to combat the SARS epidemic. The results showed that about 53% of the cohort reported they were fearful of contracting the SARS, and about 46% felt they had no control over the situation. Nevertheless, they reported of adopting various positive measures to deal with the devastating health risks. Information disseminated through the mass media seemed to be significant in leading to the adoption of such positive strategies. Copyright © 2004 Institute of Aging Studies.