Remaining Engaged while Social Distancing

Hi Readers, for older adults, social distancing comes at a cost. Older adults are not only vulnerable to CV-19, but vulnerable to the negative consequences of social isolation. A group of psychologists examined this dichotomy and developed a “Connections Plan” to promote social, mental, and physical health while adhering to social distancing guidelines. The “Connections Plan” allows seniors to continue cultivating their social ties and interactions while remaining safe during the pandemic. Check out the research study by clicking this link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233208/

 The two resources listed below provide ideas for remaining socially engaged during the pandemic. 

AARPs Connect2Affect website offers additional ideas and resources for connecting during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://connect2affect.org/coronavirus/

GeroCentral is a clearinghouse of resources for clinicians, older adults, friends, and families that includes links to virtual activities: https://gerocentral.org/clinical-toolbox/covid-19-resources/

Reference:

Van Orden, K. A., Bower, E., Lutz, J., Silva, C., Gallegos, A. M., Podgorski, C. A., Santos, E. J., & Conwell, Y. (2020). Strategies to promote social connections among older adults during 'social distancing' restrictions. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry : Official Journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2020.05.004