Lonely elders hit hard by rigors of social distancing

WASHINGTON, DC -- It’s no secret that America’s elderly population is among the hardest hit by the COVID pandemic. Not only arethey at higher risk of infection, those who live alone are more likely tosuccumb to the loneliness of precautionary self-isolation, says RebeccaWeber, CEO of the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC].

How bad is it for our senior population? “Bad enough that desperate residents of a longterm care facility in Greely, CO, sick and tired of COVID-19 restrictions, recently staged a protest [1]. Many of them were in wheelchairs and holding signs that read ‘Rather die from COVID than loneliness,’ ‘Prisoners in our own home’ and ‘Give us freedom’,” says Weber.

She notes that Pew Research recently found that 27% of adults ages 60 and older live alone in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control reports that many of them are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk. In fact, the CDC cites studies [2] that show:

* Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

* Social isolation was associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.

* Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.

* Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

* Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.

“Those of us who have what we might call normal lifestyles feel lonely when we haven’t seen our friends and family in more than a couple of days. Imagine not having friends and family in the best of times and now that the world is dealing with the deadly coronavirus your norm is solitary confinement,” says Weber.

At a time when we are being advised to selfisolate and practise social distancing, here are ways that we can best prepare for living by ourselves at this time.

First and foremost, remember that the physical distance currently between you, your family, your friends and your colleagues does not mean that you are alone. People want to hear from you, just as much as you need social contact too. So, pick up the phone, video call or message those who you are close to – for your wellbeing and for theirs too.

Another important thing to remember is that this will pass. Every effort is being made globally to bring this situation to a close. It will take time, but it will pass.

Virtually connect with people you are close to -- human beings need connection. This is a necessity, and something to prioritise at this time. We are in the age of the internet, and technology can really help us to keep in touch with the people we are close to:

*Set up Whatsapp or Facebook groups for your family, friends and work colleagues

*Book in a daily phone call with someone, as hearing a human voice can be more enriching than seeing a message or text

*Try video calling as seeing someone’s face can make all the difference