This week around the world, millions of families have scrambled to make arrangements for remote teaching and learning. The emotional, mental, and physical toll can be taxing to say the least. At the same time, the anticipation of the first day of school is still exciting despite the hours of preparation involved. Summer is almost over and despite COVID-19, children of all ages have been able to make adjustments to enjoy some of their favorite indoor and outdoor activities with friends and family. However, there is a population that may not have been able to adjust easily to COVID-19: our seniors.
In the United States, more than 10,000 people turn 65 every day (relatively young). But as stats show, the aging are living longer, and this group by all accounts seems to be having the hardest time adjusting to life indoors. Many seniors live alone or in nursing homes. They may be divorced, widowed or without local family members. In some instances, the aging individual is the only surviving family member.
Those of us who are blessed to have seniors in our lives no doubt cherish the privilege of caring for them and spending time with them. But what about neighbors, friends, or other family members who do not have this blessing? COVID-19 has put all of us under an amount of emotional, physical, and mental strain that we never anticipated. How much more so for the sector of seniors who have preexisting health conditions, are living with dementia, are victims of elder abuse, or are just lonely! Let’s not forget our seniors. They need us to look out for them and take care of them.
Things we can do to support our seniors:
Send a card. You don’t need a special occasion to let the seniors in your life know that you are thinking about them. A humorous or heartfelt card might be just what is needed to brighten their day!
Check in regularly. A simple phone call, text message, or video call (for tech-savvy seniors) lets seniors know you care about their well-being.
Social distancing visits. Schedule a drive-by wave or front porch/yard conversation over tea.
Volunteer. Are there any task or chores that you can assist with? For example, you could offer to pick up groceries or help with chores around the house (just be sure to take appropriate precautions to protect the senior’s health).
Useful resources for the aging:
Administration for Community Living
American Association of Retired People
“Old age hath yet honour and his toll” Alford Lord Tennyson
Caprice Moore