Talking to Older Adults About Self-Isolating

University of Michigan Professor Geoffrey Hoffman discusses stigma and isolation among older adults — an especially critical problem during the COVID-19 pandemic — in Medical Xpress . He advises practicing caution when it comes to anecdotal information and media reports of older adults not self-isolating. "Ingrained stereotypes often can influence our perceptions, letting us possibly overstate the problem," he says. "For instance, negative views about aging, including stereotyping older adults as incapable of making decisions or taking care of themselves, may let us more easily perceive that they aren't doing so." Hoffman suggests "older adult" is a less stigmatizing term than "elderly." He also stresses that "things that don't appear entirely ideal from a public health or prevention perspective, including for coronavirus, aren't all bad — they may be healthy in the sense that they reflect a desire of older adults to engage and have a full quality of life." Hoffman admits that the self-isolation edict creates a balancing act between upholding older adults' sense of autonomy and keeping them safe. To that end, he recommends that others "give older adults information about risk, but also provide help with technology. Deliver medications and groceries; clean door knobs, call nursing homes, provide support to caregivers."