Helping the Elderly & Homebound
What is our place in this topic? How do we exist in the bigger picture? What groups are already helping?
What is our place in this topic? How do we exist in the bigger picture? What groups are already helping?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults over the age of 60 are at higher risk for developing more serious cases of coronavirus, so it recommends they stay home as much as possible to reduce the risk of getting sick. However, isolating themselves can lead to loneliness, anxiety or depression; in addition to lack of socialization, there are concerns about food insecurity because they do not have access to senior center services due to the shutdown. Due to outbreaks at nursing homes, visitors are often not allowed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults over the age of 60 are at higher risk for developing more serious cases of coronavirus, so it recommends they stay home as much as possible to reduce the risk of getting sick. However, isolating themselves can lead to loneliness, anxiety or depression; in addition to lack of socialization, there are concerns about food insecurity because they do not have access to senior center services due to the shutdown. Due to outbreaks at nursing homes, visitors are often not allowed.
While some of these seniors are relatively healthy, a significant portion of them are not. Outside of nursing homes, 15% of America’s 65-and-older population (more than 7 million seniors) is frail, a condition that greatly reduces their ability to cope with even minor medical setbacks. Sixty percent have at least two chronic conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, that raise the chance that the coronavirus could kill them. But the virus is far from the only threat older adults face. The specter of hunger and malnutrition looms, as sites serving group meals shut down and seniors are unable or afraid to go out and shop for groceries. An estimated 5.5 million older adults were considered “food insecure” — without consistent access to sufficient healthy food ― even before this crisis.
While some of these seniors are relatively healthy, a significant portion of them are not. Outside of nursing homes, 15% of America’s 65-and-older population (more than 7 million seniors) is frail, a condition that greatly reduces their ability to cope with even minor medical setbacks. Sixty percent have at least two chronic conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, that raise the chance that the coronavirus could kill them. But the virus is far from the only threat older adults face. The specter of hunger and malnutrition looms, as sites serving group meals shut down and seniors are unable or afraid to go out and shop for groceries. An estimated 5.5 million older adults were considered “food insecure” — without consistent access to sufficient healthy food ― even before this crisis.
Get Involved:
Get Involved:
How to Help Isolated Older People During a Coronavirus Outbreak from WebMD offers suggestions like writing letters, weekly video calls, and more
How to Help Isolated Older People During a Coronavirus Outbreak from WebMD offers suggestions like writing letters, weekly video calls, and more
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging has compiled a list of examples from around the country including offering transportation services or creating hygiene kits for seniors
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging has compiled a list of examples from around the country including offering transportation services or creating hygiene kits for seniors
Opportunities Moving Forward:
Opportunities Moving Forward:
The pandemic has brought awareness to a demographic that historically has been cast aside as they’ve aged, now we have the opportunity to honor our senior citizens by engaging them in conversation and making sure they have adequate resources like food and supplies.
The pandemic has brought awareness to a demographic that historically has been cast aside as they’ve aged, now we have the opportunity to honor our senior citizens by engaging them in conversation and making sure they have adequate resources like food and supplies.