Social Isolation and the Elderly
Even though states are beginning to open, there will still be a percentage of elderly adults who will stay home in order to ensure safety and health. Unfortunately, social isolation can be harmful to people. Some older adults already live alone, and now that they are forced to stay home to avoid COVID-19.
According to the National Institute on Aging, “there has been research that linked social isolation and loneliness to physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and even death.”
The CDC gives some recommendations to relieve stress and cope with social isolation:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body.
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditateexternal icon.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and drugsexternal icon.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
We also recommend cleaning and disinfecting any items that come into your home from family, food delivery, mail, etc. This will minimize the spread of germs.
Rebecca & Gabriel Montenegro
850-855-6349
