Distress in Seniors Surges Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Older adults in the United States are in increasing distress from loneliness and anxiety amid the coronavirus pandemic, reports CNN . Feelings of exclusion are compounded by fears by some seniors that the government considers them expendable in the rush to reopen the country. "They're wondering if they'll be able to get the care they need," said Linda Fried, dean of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. "And most profoundly, they're wondering if they are going to be cast out of society." On a more positive note, resilience is a key attribute of seniors. Miami Jewish Health's Marc Agronin acknowledges that loneliness is endemic to this group, yet many seniors are "already habituated to being alone or are doing ok with contact only from staff." However, experts are concerned that continuing pandemic restrictions will worsen seniors' sense of disconnection, and amplify feelings of isolation, abandonment, and despair. Seniors who have previously suffered trauma are likely to fare worse under these circumstances. Montefiore Medical Center's Gary Kennedy suggests that loved ones and caregivers should not provide false hope, but acknowledge the situation while offering companionship and sympathy.