Guest BloggerMental health, Disney+, Zoom, vegan food: How COVID changed the lives of seniors
New survey by Amica Senior Lifestyles taken look into the mental and lifestyle impact of COVID-19 on seniors in the US and Canada 85% of seniors surveyed said they are talking about their mental health more 38% report feeling less connected to their loved ones during this pandemic 72% of Baby Boomers and seniors said that they used video calling at some point during the pandemic Of those that have used video calls, 54% said it helped them feel more connected to family and friends over the past 9 months 2 in 5 seniors have taken up social media (42%),
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Kendall VanBlarcomSocial Distancing and Mental Health
If you have not been spending time with friends and family, you may be wondering about the relationship between social distancing and mental health. It is normal to feel frightened and anxious when there is a lack of control. The important thing is to connect with others in new ways and be aware of possible mental health issues, such as depression and substance abuse. When you are feeling frustrated and are not sure where to turn, connect with a counselor to talk through your feelings. As difficult as it can be, some of the best practices include eating well, getting
Continue readingAddressing Issue of Lonely Seniors
We live in a time when we can communicate with friends and family via just a few taps on a smartphone screen. However, despite the increased connectivity that technology brings, research indicates that as a society, we are lonelier than ever before. Recent research has shown that there are more than 11 million seniors (aged 65 and above) living alone without support. And probably, no other generation or age group feels the acute pain of loneliness more than the elderly. Why are seniors so lonely? Age brings many difficult changes that contribute to a lonelier life. One of the biggest problems
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Carol MarakBiggest Senior Concerns
Health and financial security is a prime concern to seniors. In a survey sponsored by the National Council on Aging, found that financial security (71% of seniors) comes ahead of staying involved with family and friends (68%) but women are even more vulnerable than men to financial matters. The study names other worrisome factors like health care and prescription drug costs. The other two are being a burden to family and losing independence. Individuals who help a loved one will risk losing their financial security because they quit their job or work part-time to become a caregiver. They forfeit contributing
Continue readingWhy Seniors Isolate
There's a growing concern that seniors in retirement are not actively involved and it puts them at risk for chronic conditions. Social isolation and loneliness among older adults are linked to depressive symptoms, poor cognitive functioning, disrupted sleep, lack of physical activity, and impaired mental health-all of which have implications for increased mortality. Other risks include a weakened immune system, increased use of emergency services, early admittance to a nursing home, and frequent falls. In 2018, an academic researcher asked 550 seniors in a Facebook group who frequently discuss feeling isolated, "What are your reasons for being socially inactive? Is
Continue readingHow Faith Communities Can Help Isolated Seniors
This past week, I spent time attending presentations and workshops at the 2019 Aging in America Conference that was held in New Orleans. I had the privilege speaking on behalf of the growing demographic, solo agers. Those of us who live alone with no nearby support. The focus of the presentation was, Communion in Community, and more directed how faith organizations take on the needs of the isolated and lonely. I met many impressive faith leaders who are forming fantastic programs that help the older adults who have minimal support from the community. These fragile, and lonely folks want to
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