Rates of anxiety and depression have increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic in older adults.
Younger generations have reported higher rates of anxiety and depression during the pandemic compared to older adults.
Factors influencing the risk of mental illness in older adults during the pandemic include sex, age group, location, living situation, socioeconomic status, and medical and psychiatric comorbidities.
Strategies for older adults, caregivers, and health‐care providers may mitigate the effects of social isolation on the older adult population.
Keywords: anxiety; depression; isolation; loneliness; pandemic; physical distancing.