Why Quarantining Can Be Bad for Your Health

Health psychologist Roger McIntosh writes in Next Avenue that self-quarantine or isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic can have serious repercussions on the physical and mental health of older adults. "Behavioral research widely supports the observation that socially isolated older adults have lower T-cells counts and higher levels of inflammation than their socially integrated counterparts," he explains. "More frequent engagement in meaningful social interactions enhances immune function by lowering the suppressive effect of stress on immune resilience." The burden on isolated seniors is compounded by their generally greater reliance on instructive/support services, large group formats, and committed space for exercise, recreation, and physical therapy. Furthermore, McIntosh cites the well-documented benefits of fresh air and sunlight on immune system function. Meanwhile, he refers to a review in The Lancet analyzing self-quarantined populations worldwide, which "suggests social isolation during an epidemic has negative psychosocial consequences, including post-traumatic stress symptoms, confusion, and anger." As for solutions, McIntosh suggests interactions between families and residents of long-term care communities through telecommunication technology for virtual visits when in-person visits are not permitted. "These same applications can be used to provide fitness and life coaching for the isolated, as well as facilitating telemedicine to ensure older patients maintain some standard of care," he writes.