The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging citizens to practice “social distancing.” The CDC requests that individuals keep at least a six-foot distance between people, avoid crowds, cancel events, and stay away from people that may be ill. Some states are even ordering residents to “shelter in place” or “stay safer at home”. Although social distancing may reduce the risk seniors face from COVID-19, it can leave seniors vulnerable to social isolation. This is a big concern, but there are ways for seniors to stay active and keep connected with loved ones while social distancing.
Here are some tips to help seniors smoothly transition to a different routine during these unprecedented times:
Limit contact and non-essential trips
- Reschedule any health appointments or ask if they are doing any virtual or telemedicine appointments if possible.
- Ask for help from a loved one with delivering supplies, scheduling services, or using technology.
- Grocery stores are opening their doors earlier for seniors to shop safely, call your local grocer to see if they have a modified schedule.
Plan a communication and activities schedule
- Watch movies or read books with friends and family to keep entertained and connected.
- Join virtual meetings, events, and classes via social media outlets, Zoom, WhatsApp, Google duo or Facetime. Also, create personal virtual meetings with loved ones.
- Make a schedule and fill it up with activities that may involve cooking, cleaning, gardening, dancing, yoga, stretching, reading, puzzles, listening to music and other hobbies.
Here are some reminders and precautions for the new daily routine: please continue to wear masks when leaving home or going into public spaces. Hand wash continuously, especially when returning home. Disinfect the house, car, and any items coming from the outside properly. All of these precautions should be practiced until there is an available vaccine, if the community achieves herd immunity, or there is an effective regimen provided by public health professionals.
WellPath Partners is your senior resource referral guide. Follow us on ALL social media platforms and join us weekly for more content and public health discussions.
By: Hilda Huambachano
Placement Coordinator at WellPath Partners
B.S. in Health Science & Biology at San Diego State University
MPH Candidate at California State University, Long Beach
