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Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) chief executive Craig Gear said some elderly residents living alone or in aged care had not seen people face-to-face for over 18 months.
"That's resulted in fear, anxiety, loneliness, boredom, and also cognitive decline to those who have dementia or other neurological issues," he said.
Elderly residents are suffering from heightened mental health issues, isolation, cognitive decline
One elderly woman on the Gold Coast says she's afraid to leave her home, has worse anxiety
Advocacy groups say the government should allow one essential visitor for elderly