Health Risks for Older Adults During Pandemic Go Beyond COVID-19

A commentary by JAMA Internal Medicine stressed that older adults at risk from COVID-19 should continue to receive necessary care, support, and medical treatment, United Press International reports. "Older people should not neglect their health conditions and care-giving needs due to fear of COVID-19 — a balance is required," said commentary co-author and University of California, San Francisco Professor Michael Steinman. "It is prudent to pull back on in-person contacts with clinicians or caregivers if the situation is routine and can safely be deferred for a few weeks or months, but staying away from doctors and hospitals when there are urgent or time-sensitive healthcare needs, or staying away from caregivers when the services they provide are important for keeping someone healthy and safe, can create more dangers than it prevents." The authors noted that older adults — especially residents in nursing and assisted-living communities — need care beyond COVID-19. The isolation created by social distancing can amplify loneliness and depression, and affect residents' exercise routines, diets, and other regimens. The authors recommended continued care and management of older adults' chronic conditions via telemedicine.