KINDNESS IT COSTS NOTHING BUT MEANS EVERYTHING………..
Older people always need help and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease.
Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people face significant risk of developing severe illness if they contract the disease due to physiological changes that come with ageing and potential underlying health conditions.
Based on what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) know about the new coronavirus, older adults may be at higher risk for more severe complications from COVID-19.
The elderly need to stay emotionally connected to family and friends. As time progresses and life evolves the emotional needs of people change. The elderly go through a gamut of emotions as they age. Loneliness is one of the major feelings that an elderly person experiences.
Scheduling regular check-ins by phone or working with care providers to set up video calls can help combat loneliness and isolation, which home bound older adults are even more susceptible to in an era of social distancing.
STAY HEALTHY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Staying healthy during the pandemic is important. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether your vaccinations and other preventive services are up to date to help prevent you from becoming ill with other diseases.
It is particularly important for those at increased risk of severe illness, to receive recommended vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease.
Remember the importance of staying physically active and practicing healthy habits to cope with stress.
Caring for ourselves can be stressful in the time of COVID-19. Caring for others, like older family members, can be even more taxing. With this advice from geriatric medicine, you can keep your older loved ones safe and healthy.
HELP THEM SHOP GROCERIES AND OTHER THINGS THEY NEED
Shopping for groceries can be stressful for all of us right now, but you can make it a lot easier for your older loved ones. If they’re able to shop on their own, some grocery stores are offering special hours for elderly shoppers and those with underlying health conditions.
During these hours the aisles are a lot less crowded, and older shoppers can take their time getting the supplies they need for the weeks ahead. Find the stores closest to your loved one and give them a call to see if there’s a certain day or time set aside for safe shopping.
If it makes you feel more at ease, you can simply do your loved one’s shopping for them. Get them some fresh produce for meals for the week ahead. Also help them stock up on canned and frozen goods so they won’t worry about running out of food as frequently.
COVID -19 AND VIOLENCE AGAINST OLDER PEOPLE
Violence against older people has risen sharply since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and imposition of lock down measures. This document presents what can be done to address violence against older people during the COVID-19 response.
COVID-19 resources on Infection Prevention and control, Clinical management guidelines, health systems strengthening, Monitoring and measurement and mental health relevant to all populations.
Based on what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) know about the new corona virus,older adults may be at higher risk for more severe complications from COVID-19.
Social and emotional experiences change with age. Social partners that are meaningful and important are preserved, more peripheral social ties are discarded, and anger and distress are experienced less frequently. Positive affect remains highly stable, only decreasing in some studies among the oldest old.
Family members may visit less or become too busy with their own lives. Thus, loneliness and social isolation are major problems among older adults. A feeling of disconnection from friends and family can lead to depression and even early mortality.
DEPRESSIONANXIETY AND MENTAL ILLNESS DUE TO AGING
Experiencing the loss of friends and loved ones only makes matters worse. Seniors with mental illness may also show signs of depression or experience mood changes that cause them to cry more easily.
Study shows pain causes older adults to develop more inflammation over time.
Summary:
When older relatives complain about their pains, show a little empathy, because new research suggests that as we age, we may all become more sensitive to pain.
Comments