By Leah Felderman BA MA Updated: 05/30/2020 Need help finding care?
Photo by Alex Boyd on Unsplash
If the recent events of COVID-19 have taught us nothing else it has reminded us how vulnerable our elderly population is, and how easily germs spread. What may be a sniffle for an adult can easily morph into a serious upper respiratory infection for an older adult. An unidentifiable and seemingly benign cough for a child can spell serious consequences for an elderly person. To make matters worse, many times our healthier younger counterparts are harboring an illness they aren't even aware of, one that can be deleterious for our older members of society.
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Proper hygiene and sanitation are key to slowing the spread of any illness, along with common sense: if you are sick, feeling sick, or not feeling sick but exhibiting symptoms of illness then stay away from others, especially the elderly. Self-quarantining is the simplest of actions one can take to, quite simply, keep their germs to themselves. Social distancing is how people put physical distance between themselves and others to protect themselves from the spread of illness. Putting physical space between yourself and others when outside of the home can be accomplished by:1
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How does social distancing impact our elderly? For those aging in place, social distancing is an easier task. Whether living in a single-family household or a multigenerational home, the autonomy in implementing social distancing is left to the older individuals and their family. We trust Grandpa won't throw any wild parties but if he chooses to invite his neighbors inside for a game of cards, or outside for a game of badminton, then so be it.
When aging in place there are no external restrictions (or lack thereof) implemented by housing facilities and their employees. For those in a care facility or other types of residential senior facilities the ability to restrict access of one’s family and friends, although rarely implemented, is included in the fine print.
In group settings, such as the various types of senior housing, social distancing is difficult with residents sharing a great deal of common space including dining facilities, laundry rooms, recreation areas, and lounge spaces. Social gatherings for mealtimes along with other regular activities such as games, movies, and special interest groups will be cancelled during times of social distancing. In extreme cases sometimes residents will be confined to their rooms and meal service brought in to them. For those that are aging in a place other than their family home the responsibility of all residents rests with the employees, managers, and the implemented policies of the business. While overall this is a good thing to ensure everybody stays safe, this can also be detrimental to the mental health and wellbeing of our elderly.The prospect of being restricted to one’s room is as depressing and confining as it sounds, regardless of the intended benefits. As caretakers and stewards for our elderly we must consider one’s mental health as well as their physical protection in times of social distancing.
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The Japanese have a word, shinrinyoku, which loosely translates to “forest bath.” Shinrinyoku is to take a walk in the forest for its restorative effects, nature therapy for one’s physical and mental health. From a daily exercise walk to a weekly trip to the shore many people, and especially the elderly, have a practice that they rely on for their physical and mental health. The same holds true for daily routines that may seem trite but in truth hold great value. An after-dinner stroll with a friend, or a friendly chat while eating at the dining hall can all hold significant value for our elders. The denial of such meaningful social actions can negatively impact our older loved ones’ mental health.
Some attempts to practice (and not practice) social distancing are getting extreme and are obvious threats to mental health. From the ill-fated attempt of New York City’s social distancing hotline to various municipalities fining those defying social distancing guidelines, the long-lasting impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health of our elders is as yet unknown but undoubtably detrimental and far reaching. One better-known example of extreme and obvious threats to our elder’s mental health is Brookhaven, a senior-living facility in Massachusetts, where residents were encouraged to tattle on each other if one defied the social-distancing directives. Indeed, some residents were leaving the facility to meet with family, friends, and even receive home cooked meals from loved ones who were not allowed onsite. Their punishment for a confirmed violation was to have their name published on the facility’s electronic communication board so that, "other residents would know to avoid them."2
With approximately 1/3rd of COVID-19 deaths from elderly residents in senior-living facilities3 resorting to such tactics may seem justified. Yet it is a slippery slope to trade one’s autonomy and mental health for the fragile sense of security that comes with such extreme mandates on our elderly. This damage to mental health can be further compounded by requesting that elderly residents inform on one another, thereby severing one’s social connections that would otherwise ideally serve to bolster one’s mental health, especially during such tumultuous times.
It is well known that social isolation among the elderly is a serious health concern. The elderly are already at increased risk of health problems including neurocognitive and mental health problems. Social disconnection and isolation can further compound these problems while putting all older adults, even otherwise healthy people, at greater risk of depression and anxiety.4
Social isolation disproportionately impacts the elderly whose primary social contact is out of the home such as at adult daycare, community centers, civic organizations, and places of worship. Those who are already lonely and secluded are impacted by the decrease in social services during times of imposed social isolation along with the newly isolated who would otherwise have a lively social calendar.
How can we keep our older loved ones both physically and mentally healthy? How can we encourage social distancing to help keep our elderly loved ones safe while not stripping them of their autonomy and the things they rely on that nurture their mental health?
The biggest push in keeping the elderly connected has been online technologies. Communicating with family and friends through a variety of platforms along with providing new social networks to foster a sense of belonging are a great resource for the aging population to stay connected. Unfortunately, many of us in the younger generations are aware of the negatives of social media and technology from bullying, to fake news, to scam artists. There is much to consider when relying on technology for heartfelt and genuine communication and connections.
Teach seniors to recognize new age technology scams
Help your loved one avoid the pitfalls of social media
In addition, there tends to be great disparities in access to technological resources. In these instances, the most basic outreach is best: frequent telephone contact, scheduled visits from close family and friends, scheduled visits from healthcare professionals and/or community outreach to address both physical and mental health.
For those that are aging in place the solutions are easily able to be tailored to the individual. It is a no-brainer that Great Uncle Bob can invite over whom he wishes for a night of canasta and smores. What about Aunt Maude at the senior living facility that has instated authoritarian rule over its residents? Perhaps it is time to consider a transition out of such living facilities and back into a living arrangement, whether temporarily or permanently, that values an older person’s both physical and mental health needs.
Learn more about transitioning back to aging in place!
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Leah Felderman is a proud alumnus of University of Central Florida (BA) and San Diego State University (MA). She has worn many occupational hats including teaching, hospitality management, government contractor and non-profit organizer. She is an intrepid international traveler having visited over 60 countries before happily settling down into her new life chapter of domesticity as a mom and Coast Guard wife.
