As the world continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic — more than six months and counting — older adults and caregivers have had to adapt to a variety of measures to keep themselves and others safe from catching the virus. As flu season approaches, it is even more imperative to understand how older adults and their caregivers can better cope with the pandemic and protect themselves from illness.
While physical-distancing measures are meant to keep older adults safe from contracting COVID-19, they have also presented the added stressors of making people feel isolated and lonely. Stress and anxiety can often manifest during infectious disease outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Social isolation is becoming intensified and complicated during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Matthew Lee Smith, PhD, MPH, CHES, co-director of the Center for Population Health and Aging. “While the required physical isolation provides protection against the virus, social isolation has a range of negative consequences that may be amplified by the stress and uncertainty of the contemporary reality.”
However, positive actions can help manage the stress and anxiety in ways that are beneficial for older adults and their caregivers. Taking breaks from watching the news; taking care of your body both physically, nutritionally, and mentally; and making time to unwind and connect with others are healthy ways to cope with stressors, according to the CDC.
“More than ever, it is important that people of all ages take the time to connect,” says Marcia G. Ory, PhD, MPH, founding director of the Texas A&M University Center for Population Health and Aging. “Sharing experience [and] knowledge through things like volunteer opportunities enriches the lives of all involved.” Connecting with others can take the form of video calls, phone calls, and even written letters. Share your life story with your grandkids; tutor a student while their parents are working; start a virtual book club.
Smith adds that connecting with family and friends is important, but it is equally or more important to have meaningful interactions.
“Try to understand the situations and circumstances of others, attempt to recognize their needs, and see what you can do to make older adults feel supported and valued,” Smith says. “Be welcoming, ask questions, and listen.”
Yet, as businesses and communities begin to open and stay-at-home orders are lifted, older adults and their caregivers are faced with the realities of how to keep safe while maintaining a sense of normalcy. AARP outlines processes that are helpful for guiding older adults and their caregivers toward informed decisions.
Foremost, talk with your health care professionals about what is safe for you and the person under your care. Caretakers often have to remember that their decisions not only affect themselves, but those in their care. Second, weigh the risks and benefits and take time to consider all the options; don’t feel rushed into making decisions that can affect health and wellbeing for both caregivers and care recipients. Third, talk with your family and use them as a sounding board. They may be able to provide additional ideas or solutions to stay connected or venture out safely. Finally, be flexible. With information changing daily, and restrictions being updated or lifted, being able to adapt quickly and problem solve creatively is a sign of a good caretaker.
There are a number of frequently updated resources out there covering a number of topics from organizations like the Administration for Community Living and the National Council on Aging that can support decision-making.
“Adaptability is key in caregiving, especially during a pandemic, but you don’t have to make decisions alone,” Ory says. “Be sure to ask for help and know where you can find reliable resources.”
This commentary is brought to you by the Texas A&M Center for Population Health and Aging. The center strives to bring together stakeholders and partners from the community, clinical, and corporate sectors to address the needs of older adults. Working together, CPHA’s mission is to keep Texans “Active for Life®…Every one! Every age! Every day!”
For more information about CPHA, visit cpha.tamhsc.edu.
