REVIEW PAPER
Dynamics of changes in the quality of life and long-term care systems for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
1
Faculty of Public Administration, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2026-03-11
Final revision date: 2026-04-27
Acceptance date: 2026-05-08
Online publication date: 2026-05-18
Corresponding author
Vitalii Horovenko
Faculty of Public Administration, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Ondavská 21, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia
Faculty of Public Administration, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Ondavská 21, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The article focuses on the analysis of pandemic changes through an analytical approach to the issue of quality of life among older adults. The contribution emphasizes the impact on the physical and mental health and social interactions of seniors in home environments and social services facilities within the context of long-term care. The article is a theoretical-analytical research article based on a narrative literature review and secondary analysis of scientific, statistical, and institutional sources from 2020-2025. It examines key determinants that influenced the quality of life of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluates their impact on long-term care systems using both quantitative indicators and qualitative findings. Based on secondary data and a literature review, the main determinants of the deterioration in older adults’ quality of life during the pandemic period are identified, such as increased stress, isolation, and restrictions on freedom of movement. Long-term care facilities experienced challenges, including staff shortages, increased workload for caregivers, and limited access for family members. The article reflects on the need to reassess public strategies in older adult care and their integration into quality of life support systems in the context of crisis preparedness and subsequent societal recovery.
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