Aroga Home Care Services acknowledges that some life changes are unexpected. The pandemic has underscored this, particularly for seniors. Older adults may have become more isolated, even when living in a more social situation, such as a retirement community or assisted-living facility. I welcome Jennifer Scott from spiritfinder.org to share with us a few tips on how to make the best of a bad situation so that you can continue to enjoy life at its fullest.
Stay in touch with your loved ones.
There is no denying that isolation has serious health consequences, particularly for seniors who may already be struggling with loneliness. According to the CDC, these feelings can increase a person’s risk of premature death and amplify the effects of dementia. Unfortunately, seniors — especially those in the LGBT community — are at the highest risk for many reasons.
A few ways to reduce feelings of social isolation.
● Utilize technology to stay in touch. Many of your children and grandchildren are already accustomed to using FaceTime and video calling to keep up with their friends and family. If you are in a senior living community, ask one of your caregivers to help you learn how to use these apps.
● Write letters. Letter writing is an art that needs to come back to the 21st century. Not only does using a pen and paper to get your feelings out help you purge negative emotions, but it is also a thoughtful way to let your loved ones know you’re thinking about them. If possible, provide grandchildren with crayons, paper, and pre-addressed envelopes so that they may return the correspondence.
Take care of your body.
You only have one body. Taking care of it now is more important than ever, especially if you continue to self-isolate. In addition to eating well, there are other ways to improve your overall physical health, such as:
● Take a joint supplement. One natural progression of age is reduced mobility and joint problems. Taking a joint supplement that contains chondroitin, MSM, glucosamine, or turmeric can help improve your joint health. These supplements can help to reduce inflammation and increase flexibility.
● Stay active. Many seniors forgo physical activity because of joint pain. Taking a supplement can help, and once you feel like getting up and moving, it’s time to stay that way. Consider setting a few fitness goals for yourself, which may include a socially-distance walk through the neighborhood with friends each afternoon or a morning video yoga session, each of which will also improve your joint flexibility.
Utilize preventative measures to keep yourself safe.
Seniors are, unfortunately, disproportionately affected by the coronavirus. This can cause anxiety and may keep us isolating even longer. Although there is no way to fully eliminate stress and no full-proof way to avoid the virus, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe.
● Change your habits. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands, which you should do anytime you’re in contact with other people. Learn to maintain at least a six-foot distance from other people, and do not go into crowds unnecessarily. Order your groceries online or do your shopping first thing in the morning to reduce exposure to contaminants left behind by other shoppers.
● Seek counseling. Even if you are taking every precaution, the fear of contracting the virus can affect you physically and mentally. Do not be ashamed to seek the services of a qualified mental health professional to help you mitigate uncomfortable feelings.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused all of us to experience changes. Unfortunately, many seniors have problems beyond having to work from home or cutting their own hair. The pandemic can cause isolation, poor health, and anxiety. The tips above can help you manage these major life changes so that you can continue to enjoy your golden years.
Contact Aroga Home Care Services today for the best in senior home care. By finding and referring only the most qualified and attentive care professionals, we strive to foster a sense of family with each person we serve.
~Thank you Jennifer Scott for your contributions to this blog post