| Abstract: As the COVID-19 pandemic enters the third year, the studies on its impact on mental health of older adults show detrimental effect on their psychological well-being. Since the start of the pandemic the highest risk group for health complications and mortality have been older adults. Residents of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities were and continue to be in a high-risk category. While the safety measures implemented in rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities, such as restrictions in social relations, were designed to protect the physical health of the residents, they had a detrimental effect on their psychological well-being. The physical distancing may lead to feelings of loneliness, often associated with anxiety, anger and emotional instability, decline in cognitive functioning, contributing to elevated stress hormone levels and inflammation. Therefore, the implementation of effective active coping strategies that support older adults living in long-term care homes during the time of uncertainty need to be explored. The paper will focus on (a) reviewing literature on loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic; (b) examining behavioral coping strategies for older adults; and (c) discussing the behavioral approach to loneliness reduction for older adults. |