Elsevier established a free COVID-19 resource centre in January 2020, offering information in English and Mandarin. The centre is hosted on Elsevier Connect, and Elsevier grants permission for all its COVID-19-related research to be freely available in PubMed Central and other public repositories. The article discusses the challenges of isolating the elderly during the pandemic. While isolation is intended to protect the elderly and reduce pressure on healthcare systems, it poses significant mental and physical health risks, especially for those with limited social contact. Social isolation can increase the risk of depression and anxiety in older adults. The article suggests that online technologies can help maintain social connections and reduce loneliness. Strategies such as frequent phone calls, community outreach, and online cognitive behavioral therapy could be effective. However, access to digital resources may be uneven, and vulnerable populations may need additional support. While isolating the elderly can help reduce transmission, adherence to isolation measures may decrease over time. It is crucial to balance isolation with mental health support to prevent increased morbidity from affective disorders. The article emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in disadvantaged and marginalized populations. The study declares no competing interests and is published under an Open Access license. It was authored by Richard Armitage and Laura B Nellums, from the University of Nottingham. References are provided to support the findings.Elsevier established a free COVID-19 resource centre in January 2020, offering information in English and Mandarin. The centre is hosted on Elsevier Connect, and Elsevier grants permission for all its COVID-19-related research to be freely available in PubMed Central and other public repositories. The article discusses the challenges of isolating the elderly during the pandemic. While isolation is intended to protect the elderly and reduce pressure on healthcare systems, it poses significant mental and physical health risks, especially for those with limited social contact. Social isolation can increase the risk of depression and anxiety in older adults. The article suggests that online technologies can help maintain social connections and reduce loneliness. Strategies such as frequent phone calls, community outreach, and online cognitive behavioral therapy could be effective. However, access to digital resources may be uneven, and vulnerable populations may need additional support. While isolating the elderly can help reduce transmission, adherence to isolation measures may decrease over time. It is crucial to balance isolation with mental health support to prevent increased morbidity from affective disorders. The article emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in disadvantaged and marginalized populations. The study declares no competing interests and is published under an Open Access license. It was authored by Richard Armitage and Laura B Nellums, from the University of Nottingham. References are provided to support the findings.