Recently, Samvedna Senior Care organized a webinar to discuss the dilemmas around COVID and social isolation of the elderly. A\u00a0 distinguished panel of experts along with\u00a0 Dr. Jayashree Dasgupta, Co-Founder, Samvedna shared their thoughts on this important topic.\u00a0 Although the term \u2018social isolation\u2019 has become a buzzword since the pandemic, this has in fact been a reality for many elderly, since long before. As Mike Splaine, Consultant & Former Director, State Policy & Advocacy Program, National Office, Alzheimer\u2019s Association, Washington, D.C. pointed out, social isolation almost inevitably becomes part of older person\u2019s life as one loses siblings and family members.\u00a0 \\Although this is something we would have all seen in our own families, strangely, it is not something we actually think about.<\/p>\n
Loneliness is incredibly common amongst the elderly and Vidya Shenoy, Secretary General Alzheimer\u2019s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), described, how a staggering 47.5% elderly across India reported being lonely in a survey that had been conducted before the COVID pandemic.<\/p>\n
As social beings, interaction with others is critical to maintaining emotional well-being and there is a lot of scientific evidence that socialization plays a significant role, not only in development, but also maintenance, of cognitive functioning, which is very important for older adults. When under normal circumstances, elderly experience loneliness and social isolation due to various reasons, the COVID pandemic has only compounded this by enforcing additional restrictions on physical interactions.<\/p>\n
The thought provoking presentations touched upon a number of critical issues that impact elderly and contribute to various challenges under the current circumstances; right from a lack of awareness about the need for socialization and stigma, to challenges associated with institutions of care and those being faced by families and caregivers of persons living with dementia. Looking ahead at lessons to learn from the COVID pandemic, the panelists highlighted the importance of creating more socially inclusive societies and using technology as a means to remain connected with and empower the elderly.<\/p>\n
Most poignantly, with COVID still being around as we slowly return to our normal lives, a caregiver asks the quintessential question, \u2018What is the right amount of \u2018induced social isolation\u2019 to protect elderly from risk of contracting COVID?\u2019<\/p>\n
The recording of the webinar can be viewed here<\/p>\n