Adults aged 65 and up are at a greater risk of contracting severe illnesses, which includes COVID-19. That is why seniors need to take preventative health steps during the pandemic. During this point, practicing social distancing—reducing time spent in society and around others—will help elderly folks stay healthy and safe.

 

Under ordinary circumstances, seniors might experience depression and loneliness. However, with the cancellation of most community events and disruption of daily activities because of the pandemic, the elderly population may feel even more depressed and isolated.

 

As anxiety and stress about the crisis increase, the elderly may experience changes in sleep patterns and worsening indications of dementia and depression. In this post, Optimum Personal Care advises how seniors can cope mentally, physically, and financially during the pandemic.

 

According to the CDC, there are many ways older adults can remain healthy and happy during this challenging time:

 

  • Avoid news coverage. Listening to, reading, and watching endless social media stories and news about the virus may increase anxiety and stress.
  • Take care of your physical health. Attempt to eat a balanced diet, maintain your hygiene, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly.
  • Make time to relax and rest. Each day sets apart time for fun tasks you enjoy.
  • Remain connected with family and friends. Reach out to trusted family members to share your feelings and concerns.
  • Contact your doctor for support if you’re feeling overwhelmed multiple days in a row, and request assistance from your healthcare team.
  • Get help if strong emotions worsen or persist. For example, if you or a family member are bombarded with emotions such as anxiety, depression, or sadness or feel like you might harm yourself or other people, dial 911 for instant help.

 

Offer Hope to Seniors

 

Family and friends may be critical support systems for older adults during this difficult time. Even while social distancing is to keep seniors safe, people still can discover methods of connecting with them.

 

Below we list some simple ways to help seniors cope with their stress:

 

  • Make virtual visits. Sending a quick text message, making a phone call, or setting up a video chat may go a long way in assisting seniors in feeling connected.
  • Send mail. Take time to write a regular letter or send photos of your best memories together. That little act of kindness may bring seniors hope and comfort.
  • Brighten up their space. Help older folks feel upbeat by keeping their living spaces well illuminated. Please give them a flower arrangement to add a bright spot of color to their house.
  • Encourage good hygiene. Send reminders to all family members to bathe daily and wash their hands frequently.
  • Take care of mental health. Remind seniors to think positively and get involved in fun activities such as puzzles and other games.
  • Take a stroll down memory lane. Remembering happier times may assist in improving memory function and bring seniors hope, even as they remain inside their houses.
  • Lend a helping hand. Offer support and care during this difficult time. Allow your family member to know you are just a phone call away if they should need something.

 

Discovering ways to assist seniors in coping with stress and anxiety may help them remain hopeful and healthy. If you see pressure starting to interfere with your family member’s daily routine, encourage them to contact their physician.

 

For more details, visit the CDC’s site on keeping seniors mentally and physically safe.​​

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​​Caring for your Mental Health During the Pandemic

 

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, most folks might feel stress or anxiety. Dealing with strong emotions is a normal reaction. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reactions during COVID-19 may involve:

 

  • Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
  • Worsening of chronic health issues.
  • Difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
  • Worry and fear about your health status and your family members who might’ve been exposed to the virus.

 

Discovering ways to handle stress and anxiety may help you, your family, and your community. If pressure starts interfering with your daily routine, contact your healthcare provider.

 

Below we list some helpful coping tips:

 

  • Maintain a sense of positive thinking and hope.
  • Connect with other people. Please maintain healthy relationships.
  • Share your feelings and concerns with a family member or friend.
  • Make time to relax and remind yourself that solid emotions will eventually fade. Take a break from reading, watching, or listening to the news. It may be upsetting to hear about the coronavirus and see images of it repeatedly. Try and participate in other activities you enjoy to restore your healthy life.
  • Care for your body. Meditate, stretch, or take deep breaths. Eat well-balanced, healthy meals, avoid drugs and alcohol, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly.

 

For more details, visit the CDC’s site on managing stress in medical caregivers, adults, and children.

 

​​​Stay Well this Flu Season

 

We understand that it might be confusing to tell the difference between COVID-19 and the flu in the wake of the pandemic. If you’re not sure you’re experiencing COVID-19 or flu symptoms, check out our comparisons below.

 

COVID-19 vs. Flu

 

COVID-19 and the flu are both viral respiratory conditions and share several common symptoms and signs. Both diseases are contagious and may spread through contact with other people, though COVID-19 may spread to others more easily and rapidly than the flu.

 

Since COVID-19 and the flu have several similar traits and symptoms, it might be hard to determine which respiratory condition you might be suffering from. AccorHowever, accordinghe CDC, there are differences between them:

 

Similarities:

 

  • Severe medical complications, including respiratory failure, pneumonia, cardiac injury, bacterial infections, and worsening health conditions, might occur.
  • People 65 years and older and those with underlying health conditions might be at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and flu.
  • Diarrhea and vomiting most common in kids
  • Headaches
  • Body aches or muscle pain
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Chills or fever

 

Differences:

 

While flu shots are available, a vaccine for COVID-19 still is in development and is not available yet. As compared with the flu, folks who have COVID-19 might frequently:

 

  • Remain contagious longer
  • Take longer to develop symptoms
  • Experience extra complications in severe cases, which include blood clots in the arteries and veins of the brain, legs, heart, or lungs
  • Experience abrupt loss or change in smell or taste

 

Diagnostic testing might be the best method of determining if you’re presently infected with the coronavirus or might’ve had a past infection.

 

Is It COVID-19, Common Cold, or the Flu?

 

Compared with COVID-19 and the flu, folks with common colds typically suffer milder symptoms than other infections. Usually, colds don’t result in severe health complications or problems, like bacterial infections or pneumonia. Folks who have colds are more likely to experience runny or stuffy noses. Generally, experiencing headaches, chills, and fever is uncommon.

 

How Can Seniors Save Money During the Pandemic?

 

The pandemic brought about a lifestyle change that quickly impacted plans and budgets. If you are retired, the economic uncertainties and market dips may cause anxiety as you examine your finances. However, there also are ways you can improve your finances if you implement a few cost-cutting methods. Below we list some ways to save money during the pandemic:

 

Skip Minimum Distributions

 

Generally, you must take required minimum distributions from eligible retirement plans like traditional individual retirement accounts after 72. In 2020, CARES Act suspended the minimum distribution requirement. For the ones who don’t have the RMD funds to live on, it’s an excellent opportunity to leave it inside the account and offer more time to recover. Skipping part or all of your retirement account distributions for 2020 also decreases your tax bill because traditional retirement account withdrawals are usually taxed as ordinary income.

 

Hide Unused Entertainment Funds

 

Fewer outings to concert halls or theaters might mean you have a little extra money in your usual month-to-month budget. Instead of making additional online purchases or impulse buys, think about putting the money aside later. If you do not need the funds to cover your basic expenses, stash those funds away inside a money market account without fees.

 

Sell Things You Do Not Need

 

Using the extra hours at home to sift through the clutter, you might find goods you have not used in years. For example, if you own exercise equipment or furniture in good shape, try and put the items up for sale on the internet. Websites such as OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist make it simple to list items. With most consumers using their downtime to shop on the internet, you might be able to sell things quickly. Buyers may pick things up from a safe distance, like your front porch or driveway.

 

Take Advantage of Discounted Travel Fares

 

If you’re working with a budget that includes some travel each year, you may find extra money if trips are postponed or canceled. If you’re still planning to travel later within the year, it might be an excellent time to capitalize on deals. Most lodging places provide deep discounts that have favorable cancellation policies. You also might discover bargain prices if you need airline tickets later this year.

 

Check Out Automatic Payments

 

Pull your debit or credit card statements from the past couple of months and review every item. If some bills are set to be automatically paid every month, assess the service or item and cost attached to it. If you have Wi-Fi inside your house yet still pay for dial-up access, it’s possible to cancel that redundant service.

 

Call Your Auto Insurance Provider

 

If you’re driving an automobile less frequently or not using it anymore, check what you are paying for car insurance. You may have the ability to request lower car insurance premiums. Even if you still plan to use your car, you might qualify for a discount.

 

Transfer Balances on Credit Cards

 

If you are carrying a high-interest rate debt, search for a credit card that offers a zero percent interest rate for the following year. Calculate if you’ll have the ability to pay the debt down during that time, and if you can, think about transferring your debt to your new card so you can save on interest charges. For example, say there’s a balance of $2,400 on your credit card that has an interest rate of 18 percent, and move that amount to a credit card offering zero percent interest for the first year. If you pay $200 monthly for the next 12 months, you will pay the balance off without any interest charges. But look for balance transfer fees and additional costs before you switch.

 

Look for Rewards Cards

 

Most stores have memberships that permit extra rewards and savings for loyalty. For example, a store credit card may offer 5 percent savings or cash back upon each purchase. The savings might add up over time if you routinely buy from an online store. Whatever your favorite shop, it’s worth asking them if they offer deals for frequent customers, particularly during this crisis period.

 

Take Advantage of Discounts for Seniors

 

Most organizations and local retailers are assisting to mature adults during the pandemic. You may be able to get your groceries delivered free of charge, which might decrease gasoline costs. There also may be discounts that are available or special shopping times at stores for seniors. You might order food from a restaurant and get it delivered free. Check with the eateries and stores in your locality to learn more about discounts that might help you save even more cash.