Self-isolation and lockdown measures are needed to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, but these measures come with other risks like loneliness and depression, particularly in older adults.
Normal emotions during a pandemic
This is an extremely challenging time for people of all ages around the globe. The aim of social distancing and staying at home is to prevent further spread of the virus. In this way protecting vulnerable populations, including older adults, a group that is particularly vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness.
Isolation can quickly lead to stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression and a deterioration in mental wellbeing. You may notice changes in your sleeping patterns, your diet and how connected and fulfilled you feel. Anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic can also lead to deterioration of chronic conditions and may push you to use alcohol or tobacco to cope.
You may feel that the news about the pandemic is overwhelming and incessant, making it difficult to focus on anything else. You may feel withdrawn because family visits and your normal social life has come to a halt.
Older adults may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of loneliness and anxiety during the pandemic, as they are often less tech savvy than their children and grandchildren. So it is more difficult for them to stay in touch with friends and family using video calls, apps and social media.
Staying connected during the pandemic
According to physician Jacob Appel, interviewed by the Guardian at the end of March 2020, loneliness is "one of the most underappreciated risk factors for premature mortality".
Everyone, especially older adults, should make efforts to avoid loneliness and stay connected with their loved ones from a distance.
Text messages are a good way to check in, but using texts alone is unlikely to be enough to make you feel connected with friends and family.
Conventional phone calls are good for combating loneliness, simply hearing a person's voice can really brighten one's day. But even conventional phone calls may fall short during this time of social isolation.
Fortunately, technology is on our side and it will not take major skills or a lot of time for you to include video calls in your communications. Seeing someone's face while you chat can really make a big difference to how connected you feel and prevent loneliness.
While we may have to be physically distant from one another during the pandemic, we can avoid being emotionally distant and emotionally isolated.
Speak to your family and friends about the technology they are using and find out what apps or programmes you can begin to use when you chat. Some of the more popular programmes used for calls and video calls include WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom and Skype.
Staying healthy during the pandemic
You can maintain or improve your general health during the pandemic by:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Staying active
- Continuing to manage chronic conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, by taking your medications and living a healthy lifestyle
- Avoiding tobacco
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol.
Staying fulfilled during the pandemic
Staying connected with your loved ones and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will go a long way towards fulfilment. In addition, try to proactively manage stress and cultivate a positive attitude.
Avoid overconsuming news about COVID-19. Set aside certain times of day where you will check the news from reliable sources, then busy yourself with other things. Read books or magazines that you enjoy, try an online cooking class or exercise programme, do crosswords, Sudoku and other puzzles, or start a new DIY or art project.
Make sure you get enough sleep and follow a sleep routine where you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Mindfulness and meditation are other tools you can try to enhance your mental wellbeing and improve your sense of purpose and fulfilment.
If you are experiencing a decline in mental health, reach out for help. Call your doctor or psychologist, or contact The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
References
SADAG (The South African Depression and Anxiety Group)
http://www.sadag.org/
World Health Organization. Coping with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak.
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-stress.pdf?sfvrsn=9845bc3a_2
World Health Organization. Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak. 18 March 2020.
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - How to Prepare - Manage Anxiety and Stress. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
IASC MHPSS Briefing note on addressing mental health and psychosocial aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak Version 1.1 (Feb 2020) https://www.mhinnovation.net/resources/addressing-mental-health-and-psychosocial-needs-during-covid-19-outbreak
Desiree Dickerson. Seven tips to manage your mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak. Nature. 26 March 2020. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00933-5
Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health. Love in the time of Covid-19: The mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. 20 March 2020. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-03-20-love-in-the-time-of-covid-19-the-mental-health-and-well-being-of-individuals-and-communities/
The Guardian. Loneliness endangers the body as well: how to stay connected with elderly loved ones. Written by Ann Neumann, 31 March 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/31/elderly-people-coronavirus-stay-connected
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