International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 219-227 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 221 decline in physical function during isolation. This situation is more common among COVID-19 survivors or those who do not persist in exercising at home, indicating that exercise is very important for maintaining muscle and improving quality of life (Newman-Norlund et al., 2022). During the quarantine period, the opportunities to see a doctor are reduced, daily activities decrease, and the management of chronic diseases becomes more difficult. This makes it even more challenging to control diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. Although some elderly people can maintain their health through self-care and remote medical consultations, many others still experience worsening symptoms and an increased reliance on medication. This indicates that more explicit and targeted approaches need to be adopted to help the elderly better manage chronic diseases during isolation (Keche et al., 2022; Karlibel et al., 2023). 3.2 Psychological status and emotional trends The psychological impact of isolation on the elderly is rather complex. Many people experienced anxiety, depression and emotional distress, especially in the early stage of isolation. Common problems include sadness, worry and poor sleep, although there are some improvements after a period of adaptation (Cai et al., 2025). It is worth noting that elderly people who exercise regularly or participate in intellectual activities have better emotional states and lower levels of anxiety and depression (Keche et al., 2022; Karlibel et al., 2023). Many studies have pointed out that compared with young people, the elderly tend to show better emotional regulation ability during isolation and experience relatively less stress and negative emotions (Sterina et al., 2021). Even so, the risk of their mental state deteriorating still exists, especially for those elderly people who already have mental health problems or lack care from those around them. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously pay attention to their psychological state and provide support. 3.3 Changes in social interaction and daily self-care ability The social isolation brought about by isolation has significantly affected the quality of life of the elderly. The reduction in face-to-face communication with family and friends has increased feelings of loneliness and lowered social well-being. Many elderly people maintain certain connections through online video, television and social platforms, but these methods cannot completely replace face-to-face communication (Ferreira et al., 2021). At the same time, the daily self-care ability of some elderly people has also declined. The disruption of their life rhythm and the reduction of motivation make it more difficult for them to maintain personal hygiene, household chores and independent living skills. Although most elderly people do not have major problems with self-care, many still have new difficulties or aggravated existing problems, especially those who already have health or mobility impairments (Keche et al., 2022; Newman-Norlund et al., 2022). These results indicate that more supportive services and intervention measures are needed to help the elderly maintain their independence and social connections during long-term isolation. 4 Case Themes and Research Methods 4.1 Basic overview of the isolation environment for patients and their families In studies on home isolation for the elderly, the research subjects are usually people aged 60 and above. Because people have different educational levels, their physical and mental health conditions also vary. For instance, one study mentioned that among the participants aged 60 to 84, there were both men and women. Many of them suffered from long-term diseases or had difficulties in memory and thinking, such as dementia or mild cognitive problems (Coin et al., 2021; Gholamzad et al., 2021). Among them, some live alone, while others live with their families. Everyone's living environment is different. Some live in city apartments, while others live in rural residences. These conditions will affect the ease with which they can obtain external resources and assistance. The characteristics of home quarantine are restricted travel, reduced face-to-face contact, and fewer opportunities to access community services. As a result, many elderly people become more lonely, their daily lives are affected, and they also encounter difficulties in exercise and self-care. Whether caregivers are present, whether digital communication tools can be used, and the arrangement of family space (such as whether there is a place for
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