Isolation in a time of Covid-19

Social distancing is a phrase we’re all too familiar with today and part of our new normal in this time of Covid-19. As we socially distance ourselves to prevent spreading the virus, you should look for ways to avoid loneliness without risking our health.

Reports have revealed that social isolation and loneliness significantly increase the risk of early death from all causes. Social isolation and loneliness are more common as we age, but they are expected to get worse with the arrival of the novel coronavirus. An AARP Foundation study found that 43 percent of adults age 60 or older in the U.S. reported feeling lonely.

During the Prepare to Care podcast, AARP Texas Associate State Director of Advocacy, Amanda Fredriksen, said that when it comes to spotting isolation look for obvious signs like lack of interest.

“What we see is that people feel disconnected and depressed and they let things go like day to day things like their nutrition, basic exercise and just overall lack of interest in anything,” said Fredriksen. “Other things to look out for would be a lack of interest in personal hygiene and someone starting to withdrawal.”

Listen to our AARP Podcast: Isolation in a time of Covid-19

Spotting these signals may be challenging today as we exercise social distancing to stay safe. While we deal with the struggles of this virus by limiting our close face-to-face interaction with others, Fredriksen suggests we should also learn from it and use traditional communications means to reach out to our neighbors.

“What we’re dealing with now with the virus is a way for us to understand what others, who can’t get out of their homes, are going through daily,” said Fredriksen. “I often tell folks, pick up the phone or drop a note to the neighbor next door. We are all trying to be respectful of social distancing, but that doesn’t mean we have to be socially isolated.”

When it comes to keeping tabs on loved ones in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, Fredriksen says don’t be afraid to ask the facility what they are doing to keep their residents connected.

“Really push them on this because you don’t want those folks to be neglected in all of this,” said Fredriksen. “When you’re older and you’re talking about someone with early memory issues, or early dementia, being isolated for long periods can exacerbate the situation.”

Fredriksen said most assisted living facilities and nursing homes have activity directors and it is that person’s job to provide engagement opportunities for those residents.

“A lot of the facilities have their own internal channel that runs through the cable that is the provider for that facility,” said Fredriksen. “Those channels are often used for church services, but we’re learning that several facilities are using those channels to provide daily exercise classes … they’re doing bingo games as a way to keep people connected and engaged.”

Click here to learn more about avoiding isolation in an era of Covid-19.

To find out the latest information on the spread or treatment of Coronavirus also known as COVID-19, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services at dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/. AARP also has you covered with coronavirus resources. You can get that info at www.aarp.org/coronavirus.

We encourage you to follow the Prepare to Care podcast at iTunes, SoundCloud, or at www.aarp.org/houstonptc.