8/3 Social isolation and older adults

BHQ site: (www.brainhq.com)

What comes to mind when you see or hear the word "isolation"? Given the current pandemic situation, it may conjure up thoughts of quarantine, seclusion, and limited physical contact. Although this is all true, social isolation, either intentionally or involuntarily, goes beyond these definitions, especially as it relates to older adults. In this lesson, we will look at some definitions of social isolation, the extent of the problem, its effects on mental and physical health, and what we can do to cope and stay connected, even during challenging times. Our lesson looks at isolation, and how it affects older adults. You can learn about the numbers, the outcome of isolation, how it looks in our brain, but ultimately what we can do to combat social isolation. Visit our online lesson by clicking here. If you like, you can also download the handout. Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation used in the Zoom sessions. Show us what you learned by taking the quiz.

Social isolation during Covid-19 can present real mental, physical, and emotional challenges for all of us, as you learned in this week's lesson. Posit Science and BrainHQ have some creative suggestions for turning this period of isolation into a productive time of growth and health, especially for your brain. They propose using the Covid lockdown as a time to workout your brain by learning something new, like how to juggle, learning a new language, or how to dance; via social media or YouTube tutorials. The following article explains why “isolation is a perfect opportunity to try a new task or activity,” because it "can take your mind off of a situation that is causing stress and anxiety." And “it can be a nice way to focus our attention and to direct mental energy to something that’s goal directed, meaningful, and enjoyable” rather than focusing on the things we are missing or depressing current events.

To learn more, read: Take Your Brain to the Gym: Lockdown Great Place to Learn New Skills

You might also consider learning new skills like knitting, crochet, needle felting, or chess from video tutorials; or teaching yourself sudoku, crossword or word puzzles. You can also take classes to learn creative writing*, how to play the piano* (or any musical instrument), improve your technology skills*, learn painting*, drawing*, or floral arranging*; or learn about new places in a SDCE Rediscovering San Diego class.*

*See San Diego Continuing Education Schedule for available classes. We will be sending you information soon.

We will be having our face-to-face, online Zoom session this week, on Wednesday evening, August 5th, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. It's really pretty easy to access and it's fun, so we hope to see you all there. Here's the schedule of events:

6:30 - 7:00 - Q & A about the exercises, the lesson, or the websites. Everyone is welcome to participate, help answer questions, and share your experiences.

7:00 - 8:00 - Summer Orientation for all students, followed by a presentation of this week's lesson - Social Isolation and Older Adults

Getting on Zoom:

If you have been on Zoom before, you can go directly to the Zoom site by clicking here , Or...

Here is how you join the Wednesday evening Zoom session via the Zoom web address:

Just prior to the session, click here: https://cccconfernow.zoom.us/j/9191959460

Or, if you don’t’ have access to a computer, join by phone:

+1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) or +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll)

You may be asked the Meeting ID: 919 195 9460

Note: If it’s your first time participating in a Zoom session, you can try getting on the site early to see how easy it is to get it set up. We begin our BHQ Zoom at 6:45, so try getting on at about 6:30 and call if you have any trouble. You can participate by video and audio, or just listen in by phone. Please let us know if you need help! Call Pat’s cell at 619-818-3953. If you’ve been on Zoom before, you will appreciate this new Zoom Video that Mary created to help you learn about some of the features available to you while on the site. See you on Wednesday.

Enjoy the lessons, and have a brain-healthy week.

Need help? Contact us at:

Mary Burns (mburns@sdccd.edu) - Online classes

Debbie Flores (dsflores@sdccd.edu) - Online classes & Zoom Sessions for Practicum Students: Wednesdays 9:30 am - 11:00 am and 12:30 pm- 2:00 pm.

Janet Blair ( blusdbits@gmail.com ) - St Pauls Plaza. Contact for Support and Lesson Review

Yael Lorberfeld (ylorberfeld@sdccd.edu) - Online classes & Zoom Sessions for Practicum Students: Mondays 11:00 am- 12:30 pm and Fridays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm.

Pat Mosteller (pmostell@sdccd.edu) - Online classes and New Student help - Cell 619-818-3953