In “Physical distances does not mean isolation: Keeping elders safe while combating loneliness during COVID-19” gerontology researcher Dr Andrew Wister (Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC) reasons that older adults are more susceptible to COVID-19:
Most older people are in good health overall. However, they have compromised immune systems due to natural and normal aging processes. These are exemplified for individuals with pre-existing conditions—for example, about 90 per cent of all adults 65 and older have one chronic illness, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. About 67 per cent have two or more chronic illnesses. Frailty, or generalized weakness of the body systems, can also predispose older adults to infectious disease. All these factors contribute to more severe symptoms and a greater risk of death for older adults with COVID-19 (Click here for the full article).
As to the psychological effects of social distancing — anxiety, stress, depression and loneliness, for instance — Professor Wister suggests ways to foster a positive outlook, including humour, compassion, thoughtfulness, mindfulness and meditation, face-to-face social contact, and limiting intake of COVID-19 news.
Segueway Alert
Terrific. Michelle had mentioned this to me and I was so hoping this valued contact would materialize as we digitalize
Thank you, Peter. It was a true pleasure to join your online meditation this evening.
Those are alarmingly high numbers that 90% of adults 65 and over have at least 1 chronic illness and 67% have 2 or more.
Sure doesn’t jive with the common saw that people are living not only longer but healthier lives.
With that opposing data I’d say ‘hmm not so much’.
And now c19. Yikes.