The nature and consequences of COVID-19 have engendered various challenges for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly. This study aims to scrutinize the mental health disorders experienced by the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with associated contributing factors.

This systematic review conducted in 2023 adhered to the guidelines of York University. Articles were identified using a combination of keywords, including mental health, the elderly, COVID epidemic, mental problems, psychological effects, psychological distress, and with no time constraints.

A total of 5 articles were published in Iran, while 26 articles were sourced from international journals. Among these, 21 articles employed quantitative methods, 4 were qualitative, and 4 constituted systematic reviews. The results were categorized based on the study's objectives into three groups: symptoms of mental distress in the elderly during the COVID-19 epidemic, factors contributing to increased psychological distress in the elderly and factors associated with decreased psychological distress in the elderly.

Given that the elderly are susceptible to numerous risk factors such as loneliness, physical ailments, and home quarantine, it is imperative to not only assess their physical well-being but also screen for mental health. Prioritizing elements such as home entertainment and virtual communication, alongside emphasizing faith, self-care and maintaining a normal lifestyle, can play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of the elderly.