Over the past year and a half, the pandemic has taken a toll on all of us. Many people have lost loved ones, their businesses, and the ability to do the things they love. Events have been canceled, and travel has been limited in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and large gatherings aren’t possible either. These necessary measures for public health have contributed to feelings of isolation, stress, and anxiety. The elderly are significantly affected as those 65+ are more at risk for severe effects of the disease.
How to Help
Try to steer the person you’re caring for away from reading too much Covid-related media. Staying informed is a good thing, but spending too much time dwelling on the pandemic will hurt mental health. Doom-scrolling or consuming excessive negative news can create tunnel vision that exacerbates stress and prevents people from seeing anything but negativity. When you see the person you care for glued to their Facebook feed or TV news all day, try to steer them away from it and try different activities. If possible, spend some time outside to refocus.
How to Help Find Companionship
Another way for them to escape the sense of hopelessness caused by Covid is to seek companionship. Your presence already provides companionship; however, helping them reach out to their friends and family will be helpful as well. If at all possible, setting up a time for them to meet with loved ones can alleviate feelings of isolation. An easy way to do this is to use Zoom or host an outdoor get-together with masks and social distancing between family or friends. With all meetings, ensure that the person you care for and the person they meet up with are vaccinated.
While individual relationships are essential, isolation can be eased with community or faith-based relationships. Technology assists in virtually meeting with church groups or community clubs. This fosters a sense of community and enables the person you care for to pursue their hobbies and interests safely.
How to Help With Self-Care
Besides reaching out to other people, seniors should be encouraged to take care of their own needs. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and meditating can improve mental health and prevent stress. Consistent sleep is essential and will help establish a consistent routine. Well-balanced meals are also crucial. Limiting consumption of alcohol and other substances evens out mood swings. Techniques like meditation can also be grounding and lead to peaceful days in the face of Covid anxiety.
Maintaining beloved hobbies and activities during this time, too, relieves the burden of the pandemic. Physical exercise or stretching techniques like yoga have the added benefit of keeping seniors healthy. As the holiday season gets closer, arts and crafts can be tailored to fit the spirit of the season and will add a little bit of excitement to the daily routine.
Medical Care
Another crucial component of overall health is to address Covid itself. Continuing routine visits to the doctor’s office and following recommended screenings and vaccinations will remove many risks and increase confidence in overall health. This also helps to avoid other medical issues. A doctor’s recommendations for diet and activities that fit unique physical and mental needs might also improve overall well-being.
Overall, making sure that the person you care for is mindful of their own needs and able to grow and reach out, even when they’re stuck in one place, is important. Staying positive in such stressful times is hard, but your help will make it easier for those you care for.
