Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)2020-09-082020-09-082020Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2019). Social, Psychological and Health Impact of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on the Elderly: South African and Italian Perspectives, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2019/0064978-1-928496-29-8http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/153Cite: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2019). Social, Psychological and Health Impact of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on the Elderly: South African and Italian Perspectives, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2019/0064The elderly population has been included in the vulnerable population to the mental health risks of COVID-19. This group in our society is confronted with high rates of pre-existing depressive symptoms and the challenges of accessing mental health services. The elderly population has been reported to be more susceptible, especially those with underlying diseases, to COVID-19 infection and severe illnesses. Recent studies have showed a higher mortality of elderly patients with COVID-19 to those of young and middle-aged patients. The panel discussion explored the challenges confronting the elderly in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.enCOVID-19PandemicElderlyLong-term careMortality rateGeriatricSDG 3Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Proceedings Report10.17159/assaf.2019/0064