4 Ways to Stop Stereotyping Older Adults During COVID-19

University of Arizona Professor Jake Harwood offers tips for loved ones and caregivers to respectfully communicate with older adults during the COVID-19 crisis, reports Futurity . He says the pandemic has highlighted the often wrong assumption that older people are frail and require protection, which can cause caregivers or family members to take a patronizing or paternalistic attitude. Harwood argues that caregivers and adult children should be especially aware of how they talk to seniors and avoid using patronizing language. He says if an older person is about to risk their health, caregivers should ask questions and offer safer alternatives, such as suggesting that groceries be delivered rather than the older person go out to get them. Another suggestion is to appeal to relationships when the older adult seems dismissive or nonchalant about the consequences of getting the virus. Harwood further recommends that family members seek ways to increase their social interaction — from a safe distance — with older family members to stave off seniors' willingness to take risks because of their feelings of isolation. His fourth and final tip is for loved ones and caregivers to embrace rather than reject the use of technology to substitute for in-person get-togethers.