Even With a Pandemic, Many Older Americans Are Carrying On as Usual

Many older Americans are ignoring self-isolation mandates despite the coronavirus epidemic, reports CNN . Reasons for flouting the directives include cabin fever; a lack of technological savvy when it comes to handling finances, shopping for groceries, and other routines; and the simple need for human connection. This compounds their children's and loved ones' concern for their health, but some are resigning themselves to it. Georgia resident Tina Muirhead-Walden is worried for her mother, who lives in New Mexico, but acknowledged that "our parents, if they are lucky, get to decide how they want to live and die. So, I feel I have to respect that decision." University of Virginia Professor Laurie Archbald-Pannone stressed the value of balancing social distancing with self-isolation, and suggested that people should converse more on the phone, go out and take walks for fresh air, and consider how to get essentials like drugstore and groceries via delivery. She also suggested remotely engaging in community activities from home. "That shift of roles is challenging," Archbald-Pannone said. "No one conversation will fix anything."