Coping with Covid
As we look ahead to life after the pandemic, many people are wondering what their lives will be like. They are tired of coping with Covid. They question: If we go back to living the way we did be before, will we lose all that we have learned in the pandemic?
Protect your Health
Senior citizens can empower themselves and experts say that the first thing to do is to take care of themselves. Schedule a month of well care. See your doctor for a checkup. Make dental and eye appointments. Get caught up and get a green light to start moving.
Exercise has hidden benefits, besides increasing stamina and easing mobility, it also produces endorphins. Endorphins are natural pain killers and they also produce a feeling of well being. Several studies have shown that exercise, even in light to moderate doses and intensities, can have a significant positive effect on cognitive function in the elderly. Stay strong so you can cope with Covid a little longer.
Maintain Social Interactions
Studies have found that the quality of one’s social dynamics is as impactful as things like diet and exercise for older adults. We have been coping with Covid for a long time. Resuming activities, when it’s safe to do so, is as important to our emotional health as it is to our physical health.
Seeing friends and family, returning to church and or volunteer opportunities, and pursing our hobbies or traveling will all improve the quality of our lives. Until you feel safe, reach out. Call your friends. Skype or Zoom with family. Continue to pursue a hobby or start a new one. Explore social media. We may be alone but we needn’t be lonely.
Use Technology
Technological change is probably the largest social hurdle we can face as senior citizens. Technology can be a way you can reach out, find a friend, help each other, get answers to questions and not be alone. The problem for many seniors is they don’t know how to use many aspects of digital technology.
The population most negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, are also the least likely to be able to access resources that could help. Whether it’s poor ability to use smart phones, computers and digital technology or access to the internet the ability to proficiently use technology is much lower in older populations than in younger adults. There is no easy answer here.
Talk to family and friends. Ask them to teach you. I swear my grandkids know more then I do about computers and aps! Read and learn what you can. Find out where you can get information. Community centers and libraries have free classes, when you can, sign up. The world is aware of this digital divide and I know that the pandemic has increased the concern over this problem, but for now it’s up to us.
More Tips
As an older adult coping with Covid, it’s not unusual to continue feeling anxious or vulnerable to serious illness from a COVID-19 infection. Some closing tips.
- Talk about your feelings: If you feel nervous about being in public places talk to a loved one and ask for their advice and reassurance.
- Take it slow: Make sure to get back out there at your own pace and comfort level.
- Create a new routine: Select the best pieces of both your pre- and post-pandemic lifestyles and create a new routine that improves your overall quality of life.
- Know you’re in control: It’s important to realize that you can control your time and surroundings.
- Continue following safety precautions
- Get back to happier times: If you need additional help reducing your anxiety and sadness, consider talking to your doctor about mental health resources.
- Get Good Information from trusted sources. Rumors abound. Don’t succumb to them. The CDC is the most trusted public health organization in the world. They continuously update information about the pandemic on the CDC website.
- Reach out: We’re all going through this change together; know that you’re not alone.
Related Article: Pandemic Issues for Seniors
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