A leader in geriatric medicine, R. Sean Morrison, MD, the Ellen and Howard C. Katz Chair of the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, shares information that older people and their loved ones need to know about physical distancing in the time of COVID-19.
Are there any special steps that older people should take?
Because COVID-19 is so contagious–carried in droplets in the air and lingering on surfaces–we should all practice physical distancing. This is the term the World Health Organization (WHO) now wants us to use instead of “social distancing.” The idea is that we want to maintain a physical distance of at least six from the nearest person, to avoid infection. But we also want to maintain social and emotional closeness with friends and family, because that is also crucial to our well-being.
Distancing means that older adults should limit the number of visitors who come into their home or apartment, and this can be particularly hard. It means that children, grandchildren, even young adults, should not be visiting.
And it means that older adults should go out only when they can be assured that they can practice physical distancing and, if at all possible, should avoid going to grocery stores, riding public transportation, or going out for meals or religious services.
What about the emotional toll of this kind of self-isolation?
One of the things that many people worry about, including me, is the risk of depression. What can we do to prevent that from happening? First of all, if an older friend or relative is self-isolating in their home, call them frequently, and don’t just talk about COVID-19, talk about normal things.
Have different people call, so it’s not always the same person. Use video calls whenever possible, so grandparents can see their grandchildren and talk to their grandchildren–hear what’s going on in their lives.
What can older adults do to protect their mental well-being?
Stream movies, and watch TV, but try not to focus on the news. When we are exposed to minute-by-minute coverage of COVID-19, it can really increase our anxiety. Check in a couple times a day as to what’s happening in the United States, your community, and the world, but then turn to something else. Nothing is going to happen that you’re going to need to respond to immediately and that won’t still be there when you turn the television on again in say six or eight hours.
Are there any signs of depression to watch out for?
It’s important to realize that depression presents differently in older adults. Older adults may not experience it as sadness. What they may experience is loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, tiredness and fatigue, and sometimes memory problems. These are the things that both adult children and their parents should be watching for and self-monitoring, and if any of these develop, that’s the time to call your doctor right away so an intervention can be made, and treatment can be started before things progress.
What can I do to boost my immunity to COVID-19?
Unfortunately there is no magic pill that can rapidly boost your immune system. However there are things that you can do: Make sure you’re getting enough rest and sleep. Eat well. Stay well-hydrated. Exercise. This becomes hard in a setting of physical distancing, but there are things you can do. Use a stationary bike or a treadmill if you have them in your home or apartment. Go out for long walks in the community, or out in the park, at a time when few people are around, and make sure you stay six feet away from the nearest person.
Finally do everything you can to minimize your stress and anxiety in this very worrisome time. Steps you can take are limiting your time on social media, particularly the time you’re focusing on COVID-19 on social media. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and there are a lot of very, very scary posts. Instead, keep up-to-date by looking at the data. Look at the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO, your state and local health departments, and Mount Sinai, and also your local newspaper and one of the reputable national newspapers or news television shows.
What kind of supplies should I have on hand?
I would recommend that older adults have a 30-day supply of food, medicine, and other essential items. That’s a 30-day supply, not a six-month supply, of toilet paper.
Any more thoughts on the COVID-19 crisis?
We as a community, we as a country, and we as the world have not gone through a global humanitarian crisis like this in our lifetime. But we will get through this. We know what to do to control COVID-19. If we wash our hands thoroughly and often, disinfect high-contact surfaces, and rigorously practice physical distancing, we will get through this, and we will get through this well.