Thoughts on Covid’s Impact

Author

Elder Quest

Posted on

Jul 21, 2020

Book/Edition

Colorado - Western Slope

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Recently, research began coming out about the terrible impact isolation has on seniors health. Just in time for the world to be hit with being home and isolated to varying degrees. Foe some at home means being with several family members or friends. For some it has meant being home alone with limited community sources or family/friends able to come into your home. Or maybe you are in a facility of some type and you are limited to seeing just the staff (in person).
It is so important for us all to have social interaction in our life for physical and mental wellbeing. New technologies and some no so new are trying to help us all adjust in healthy ways to this new way of living. Such as phones, shopping apps, house party app, zoom etc. We are also learning new words like Social distancing, window visits, zooming, tele- health visits, and new normal.
We are all being forced to look at our world a little if not a lot, differently. We are integrating old school types of communicating and going about our day. Writing letters, checking in with neighbors, sewing (masks), making bread and soup for ourselves and others. Some are learning new hobbies and expanding interests. Music, pets, board games are all being used to help us maintain the balance in physical and mental health we all need!
Handwritten letters are being passed between seniors in facilities and school children. What a wonderful connection for both generations. This reminds me of stories from senior clients who persevered WW2 and made personal sacrifices for the wellbeing of fellow citizens and the country. There was a recent picture in a paper of a 1918 photo of people at a baseball stadium. They were all wearing cotton masks! How did they phase into regular life again? Somehow they did and we will also. The seniors I have known who have already lived through many changes and adversaries, have the best wisdom and patience.
Reach out to one another. You will find you get more back than you ever gave!

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Paula McCormick, MSW, LSW.Paula is Care Manager with Elder Quest and may be reached at 970-985-5950 or email at elderquestgj@gmail.com

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