Break out of post-pandemic isolation

Q: I am 68 and live alone. I haven’t been able to snap out of the isolation that descended on me during the pandemic. It’s pretty depressing. Any suggestions? -- Alice F., Port Washington, New York

A: You’re not alone in feeling a continuing impact from the “shelter in place” habits that were adopted during the pandemic. Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder have been tracking more than 1,600 folks over age 55 and report that today, 60% of the participants say they spend more time at home, 75% say they eat out less frequently, and 62% go out to see art and entertainment events less often than before the pandemic. Over half say they’re still wary of going to the gym -- and even to church.

The repercussions are farreaching. You become more vulnerable to accelerated aging if you’re less physically active; to anxiety, depression and cognitive dysfunction from lack of social support; and to a range of chronic conditions from obesity and cancer to cardiovascular disease, which develop as a result of physical and emotional strains.

To emerge from isolation, you want to build your trust in the outside world and reclaim an active and engaged life.

The first step is a total health check-up to make sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations and to determine the safest, most effective forms of physical activity for you. You also want to upgrade your diet so it supports optimal health. Next, reach out to friends and family to create a posse that supports you through shared activities, interests and care. You also can take advantage of programs run by local state or federal agencies that offer gatherings, outdoor community gardening, etc.

Try to do one thing each day that’s fun! And for more information on how to bolster your immune strength, check out iherb.com/blog/immunity and sign up for the free newsletter at Longevityplaybook.com.