A defining feature of the coronavirus pandemic has been the uneven spread of deaths, with clear risk groups most vulnerable to the virus.  For instance, it’s been widely identified that older people are far more at risk than younger people, and that men appear more vulnerable than women.

Alas, new research from Georgia State University shows that despite this risk profile, older men are less likely to be concerned by the virus.  The researchers quizzed a bunch of volunteers to understand their perceptions of the virus, and any changes to their behavior as a result.

The researcher hypothesized that fear is a major driver of behavior, and so the more worried we are, the more likely we are to adopt protective behaviors.  Alas, it seems that concern decreased as people aged.

“Not only do older adults exhibit less negative emotions in their daily lives,” the researcher says, “they also exhibit less worry and fewer PTSD symptoms following natural disasters and terrorist attacks.”

Risk takers

The author suggests this might be because older people have developed stronger coping mechanisms, and can therefore regulate their emotional responses more effectively.  While ordinarily, this can be a positive characteristic, during a global pandemic, it might place one at greater risk.

The participants were split evenly between those aged between 18 and 35, and those aged between 65 and 81.  The questionnaire aimed to understand the perceived severity of the virus, and the volunteers concerns about catching it themselves, their family catching it, disruptions to their lifestyle and general societal issues, such as strain on health systems.

Among the behaviors assessed were hand washing, mask wearing, social distancing, and a complete quarantine, alongside general health measures such as adopting a balanced diet.  The results suggest that most people had at least some concern about the virus, with this concern changing behavior to some extent.

For instance, 80% reported they were washing their hands more often, avoiding public places, and avoiding shaking hands.  A further 60% said they had stopped socializing with others.  There appears to be a clear correlation between the level of concern one has about the virus, and the level of behavioral change one undertakes.

Older exceptionalism

This was the general trend, but older men tended to buck it consistently.  They were less concerned by Covid-19, and subsequently adopted fewer of the behavioral changes designed to halt its spread.  This included being unlikely to wear a mask, or stopping touching their face.  Indeed, few reported even making changes to their lifestyle to become healthier or generally more prepared.

“Our study showed that for older men, accurate perception of risk worked as well as worry to predict preventive behaviors,” the researcher explains.

The researcher notes that the survey was undertaken immediately after the pandemic had been declared, so there may be a greater appreciation of the risks if the same people were asked again now, but nonetheless, they believe that the findings are important in highlighting the challenges involved in getting people to take the appropriate precautions, both for their own and for other people’s health.