As the infamous coronavirus sweeps across nations all over the world, certified health institutions and medical professionals are advocating for self-quarantining and social distancing as a means to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Many argue that although it is helping to mitigate the situation from a epidemiological standpoint, it is leading to an increase in loneliness, especially in the elderly.
Humans are social animals, and coronavirus threatens our inherent desire to socialize.
A National Academies of Science report found that social isolation has been associated with depression and stress, which subsequently may lead to an increased risk of heart disease, depression, obesity, and premature death, reported Vox.
Local clubs, religious services, and time with family bring social structure and joy to many of our lives. If older and sick people have to refrain from these activities for months on end, their lives will be more dismal, and the relationships that once sustained them may prove hard to rebuild.
For many, going to work provides vital human connection. The small interactions of daily life such as trips to the shops, are not just diverting, they are sustaining.
Many have started to rely heavily on technology to mitigate the negative impact the coronavirus has had on their daily lives. For instance, people are attending classes and religious services virtually, or having their food and prescriptions delivered instead of physically picking them up.
However, even though technology is facilitating access to information and effective care, older people may not have access to the internet or be as technologically savvy as younger generations.
In order to facilitate the process, health officials have recommended taking walks or going on picnics, which, from a public health perspective, is much safer than eating at a crowded restaurant. People can also act as tech support for the older people in their lives, helping them to tap into a global network of resources.
