In the past few weeks, so much has changed in our lives, including the new challenges our loved one’s face. Some families are dealing with complete social isolation. That can cause added stress, and stress can weaken the immune system.
We need to do as much as we possibly can to keep our senior loved ones stress-free and healthy during this time of isolation. FaceTime or a social media video call with grandchildren are great ways to help seniors feel connected.
Another suggestion to minimize stress during these uncertain times is to minimize the amount of time we watch politicians and economic experts on television and the internet.
Keep in mind that scammers are aware that people are staying in place, and that means many seniors are home alone and vulnerable. Remind your loved ones to be on high alert for scammers. Their insurance company or bank would never ask them for personal identification like a social security number or date of birth. They already have it. Instruct your loved ones to let you know if they are receiving these calls and direct them to let unknown numbers go to voicemail.
On the flip side, while many are experiencing isolation, others are faced with an extreme amount of family togetherness as we are staying in place for what seems to be an indefinite amount of time. This could be a wonderful opportunity to address intense lingering resentments in a soft loving approach. That may not be as simple as it sounds to just forgive and forget old wounds. Things of this magnitude can be complicated, but it will benefit us to come together and let go of things that are not important.
Now is a great opportunity to grow and learn to communicate, listen, resolve and help each other grow by loving one another despite the past and our shortcomings.