Seniors stuck in isolation four year post pandemic
A recent CU Boulder study found more than half of older adults are still spending more time at home and less time socializing in public spaces than they did pre-pandemic.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) -Many of us are still recovering from the mental and physical toll of the pandemic and it’s especially impacting older adults.
“I think this is soup I need, said Betty Schneider as she piled groceries into her cart at Silver Key’s food pantry.
She thinks about who is waiting for her back home.
“I have this puppy. Her name is Rosie and she keeps me going.
As Rosie and Betty’s children keep her busy, a recent CU Boulder study found more than half of older adults are still spending more time at home and less time socializing in public spaces than they did pre-pandemic.
“I think there’s a lot of truth to that,” said Dave Clay who is now retired and volunteers with Silver Key.
The recently released study found the pandemic altered neighborhoods and everyday routines. The data comes from nearly 7,000 people over age 55 surveyed.
“I’m fortunate I have a wife, but we were starting to feel isolated ourselves,” Clay said.
He volunteers with Silver Key’s food pantry and the companionship program which partners volunteers with seniors who need company or help with everyday tasks like getting groceries.
“We offer assistance to them out to the cars,” Clay said.
“It really took off in the pandemic,” said Annie Hewitt, Silver Key’s Director or Health and Wellness.
The U.S. Surgeon General declared an ‘epidemic of loneliness’ last year.
“When you lose the ability to be independent, drive, or you don’t have family or social support nearby, your world gets as big as the four walls around you. That’s loneliness which increases depression, health outcomes,” Hewitt said.
About 10 percent of adults surveyed though reported they actually exercise outdoors more now. Hewitt advises families or friends to find something a senior is interested in to get them out the house and active.
“What is something they connect with,” Hewitt said.
You could also take Betty’s advice.
“Get them a dog,” she laughed.
You can find more on Silver Key’s resources HERE.
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