COVID-19

LGBT+ older adults and COVID19

Mental health conditions.

The stress of COVID-19, the uncertainty it creates, and the potential for older adults to be more susceptible to the virus, can exacerbate any underlying risk for depression or anxiety.

Physical health, pain and disability.

During this COVID-19 outbreak, being in an older age demographic and having chronic health conditions are criteria for “high-risk” vulnerability to the virus. This can compound the stress many older adults feel.

Social isolation, feeling lonely or disconnected.

Social distancing can create further isolation, and the current crisis is affecting almost everyone’s routines, mass transportation, and some “non-essential” social services. This means that the usual social support and contacts older adults have with others may be diminished.

Losses.

The COVID-19 outbreak can feel like a threat that could bring about even more potential loss adding to the older adults’ baseline experiences of loss.

Disruption in routine.

There is a good chance that COVID-19 has affected the older adult’s usual routines: where they can shop, eat, walk and socialize.

We all have a role to play in supporting our seniors during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are some activities you can carry out:

Regularly review your friends, neighbors, and relatives who are older adults and if you are an older adult, stay active with your circle of support.
Call or video chat, as texting and social media may not be the best way to connect.
Ask them how they are doing during this period, how their routines might have changed, and what kinds of things they are doing to deal with stress.
Encourage them to continue doing the activities that are allowed during COVID-19 in their community, and that they identify as the most useful to them, such as exercising daily or walking, stretching, listening or playing music, reading, enjoying their favorite or humorous shows, put together puzzles, participate in games, get involved in social activities, meditate or pray. (Here are some activity ideas from AARP, and the National Institute on Aging.)
Help them seek medical advice or attention if they experience symptoms of deteriorating physical or mental health.
Offer to bring them a meal, run an errand, or walk their dog, if these activities are allowed in your city.
Seek their advice, based on their experience and wisdom.
Express gratitude and appreciation for any support you get from your relationship with them. Let them know what you admire about the way they lead your life.

Most importantly, just regularly communicate with older adults in your life and express your support. Let them know that you are at their command and that they care. Let them know that you are grateful that they are a part of your life.

NEWS:

Resilience in the Time of Covid-19 in Puerto Rico

In the past ten years, we Puerto Ricans have experienced many situations that have made us recipients of stress, anxiety and hypervigilance. The theme of Covid-19 goes hand in hand with other social problems. It…

From: https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/resilience-in-the-time-of-covid-19-in-puerto-rico/

Written by: Wilfred Labiosa, Executive Director of Waves Ahead PR

COVID-19

LGBT+ older adults and COVID19

Mental health conditions.

Physical health, pain and disability.

Social isolation, feeling lonely or disconnected.

Losses.

Disruption in routine.

NEWS:

Resilience in the Time of Covid-19 in Puerto Rico

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