Isolation Getting Harder for Older Adults, Could Have Health Impact

Older adults are having a harder time coping with isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of social distancing, which could adversely affect their health, reports Click2Houston . University of Texas Health's Carmel Dyer warned that prolonged isolation can cause seniors' immune systems to decline and reduce chemical stimulation in the brain, leading to depression. "An older adult could say they feel depressed, or they don't feel depressed," he noted. "Instead, they want to sleep all of the time, they are not eating, the memory will change suddenly." One way to mitigate isolation is to get seniors more involved. "As much as folks can take advantage of the technology, the Zoom calls, have them call their friends, have them write letters," Dyer said. Virtual connection resources are another option.