COVID-19 is a concern for everyone. But the elderly may be at increased risk of contracting this virus–or developing a bad case of it. Linda V. DeCherrie, MD, Professor of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, shares information that the elderly and their caregivers can use during the time of COVID-19.
How can the elderly protect themselves from COVID-19?
The best plan is to avoid contracting the virus. To protect yourself, follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means stay home as much as you can. Wear masks and gloves if you must go out in public. Make sure home health aides and any family wash their hands when they come into your home. And, keep in close communication with your doctors and health care team so that you can notify them immediately of any new symptoms.
Should older adults make plans for what to do if they get sick?
It’s always good to think ahead if you can. Now is a good time to talk about the “what ifs” and begin your advance care planning, if you have not done so already. The social workers at your hospital can help. You should also tell your loved ones what your wishes are.
How can I avoid social isolation and depression?
This is always a concern for people living alone—and even more so now with widespread directives to practice social distancing. Fortunately, we’re in much better shape to address this potential for loneliness now than we were even ten years ago. Use Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, or other video chatting technology as much as you can to connect with loved ones.
It also helps to keep as close to a normal routine as possible. Make your bed every morning and don’t let dirty dishes sit in the sink. Get some exercise, either in your home or by taking a walk, while maintaining social distance. This is also the time to try activities that you don’t usually do: paint a picture, play an old-fashioned board game, piece together a 1000-piece puzzle, read that novel that’s been sitting on the shelf. Equally important, try to limit how much time you spend reading or listening to the news.
Additionally, you might want to get to know your neighbors and talk with them about emergency planning. If your neighborhood has a website or social media channel, think about joining it for access to people and resources nearby.
While it is true that the available data shows that older adults—and those with serious illnesses—are at somewhat greater risk for severe outcomes if they contract COVID-19; it is important to remember that many older adults will not get the virus. And, among those who do, most will survive. Remember, this will pass. We will get through this together.