4 TIPS TO HELP THE ELDERLY DURING THE PANDEMIC

Older Americans, particularly those over the age of 65, are still some of the most at risk as the novel coronavirus outbreak stretches from weeks into months.

Experts say keeping our distance from others is the best defense against spreading the virus, but there are concerns that this period of isolation could sow long-term health problems for some of those we’re attempting to protect: our older relatives and neighbors.

“We’re having to force people into social isolation, essentially,” said Carla Perissinotto, the associate chief for geriatrics clinical programs at the University of California at San Francisco. “We’re doing that in the short term to protect people from COVID without really understanding what the long-term effects are.”

The Washington Post spoke with experts in geriatrics for advice on the best ways to connect and empower those who are remaining at home.

1. Don’t assume.

Ask what someone might want or need from you.

Try to start these conversations with a simple question: What do you need?

And you can be prepared to offer some ideas. It could be picking up an extra gallon of milk at the grocery store or a weekly game night on FaceTime. Whatever you offer, provide ample opportunity for the older adult to say no.

“There’s a lot of ways that people can connect rather than traditional phone calls,”said Sonya Barsness, a gerontologist and adjunct lecturer at Georgetown University.

An older family member could teach someone how to knit with weekly calls. The grandkids could hold a musical recital in their living room for friends and family. You can collectively watch the same movie.

You can also ask whether someone would prefer to have weekly calls on the calendar to have something to plan for and look forward to.

2. Help family members connect with doctors over video.

Some health officials are concerned that there will be a spike in medical complications because existing problems are not being addressed, said Cathleen ColónEmeric, the chief of the geriatrics division at Duke University’s School of Medicine.

Family members and loved ones should make sure seniors know how to schedule“telehealth” check-ins with their health care provider using their computer, phone or tablet.

“I had a patient tell me the other day that she was never coming back into the office again,” ColónEmeric said.“(A video call) avoids a lot of the hassles of transportation and parking . ... There are actually a lot of patient-centered benefits.”

3. Meet at a park or go outside for a walk.

Rather than visit an older relative or neighbor at home, make plans to talk outside at a nearby park.

It’s important older Americans stay active, rather than isolated inside. Older adults tend to lose their strength faster during periods of inactivity than those younger than them, Colón-Emeric said.

4. Let your neighbors and relatives help you, as well.

The older adults in our lives have lived through wars, famines and major economic downturns.

“We have to recognize that older people have tremendous gifts, talents, knowledge and experiences to share,”Barsness told The Post. Talk to relatives or neighbors about your challenges during this time of isolation, and give them opportunities to help you.