Isolation in the Aftermath of the Pandemic
Dec 13, 2024
Colorado - Boulder County
Isolation and loneliness are not new concepts to those who
work in the field of aging. And, as a result of the COVID pandemic, almost
everyone, regardless of age, experienced some form of isolation and loneliness.
Many of us were separated from family, friends, and coworkers for so long that the
isolation left a nearly permanent mark. As a senior service provider, Cultivate
has seen, firsthand, the negative effects isolation has had on our senior clients.
We have also seen the power of healing that the volunteers provide when they
take time to build connections with our clients.
According to the CDC, loneliness and social isolation in
adults can lead to serious health conditions beyond the effect it has on mental
health. The senior population has been disproportionately affected by isolation
for years, and it is only in the aftermath of the pandemic that much of the
population can begin to understand. Society saw a surge in volunteerism during
the beginning of the pandemic because many people were struggling with the
loneliness of quarantine while becoming very aware of the fact their neighbors
needed help. However, that surge ended, and non-profits are finding a
significant reduction in the number of new volunteers. Many forget that just
because most of the population is no longer quarantined, this does not mean
that the issues of isolation have disappeared.
There are different ways that the community can get involved
to help reduce isolation and loneliness in seniors. This work can start by
reaching out to family, friends, and neighbors. You never know how much of an
impact your time and words can have on someone. Volunteerism is also a good way
to reach people who need the most help. Often the volunteers get as much out of
their experience as those they are helping do. Whatever you choose, remember
that we all know what it feels like to be lonely, and we all have the power to
relieve the loneliness of others.
Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Carly Marquis. Carly
is the Director of Volunteers with Cultivate and may be reached at 303-443-1933
or by email at cmarquis@cultivate.ngo.
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