With progress being made in the efforts to return life to normal, it is imperative to think about the future of older adults regarding how they will cope in a post-pandemic world. This is especially important since there are likely to be significant changes in how things operate, and without help from caregivers, friends, and family, seniors might face challenges acclimating.
Thankfully, there are viable ways to help seniors adjust to a post-pandemic life. Here are six things you need to consider to help older adults lead a normal life after the pandemic:
Teach them to get better at technology
Technology will continue to be an integral part of life even after the pandemic, and it is only fair that seniors learn how to maneuver it. Essentially, technology is important in staying connected regardless of the distance, which helps to reduce isolation and loneliness that can have negative effects on this demographic.
Introduce seniors to virtual interaction products such as Zoom and FaceTime to keep them connected. Besides facilitating connection, technology can be used to keep abreast with their medical needs and ensure they get medical attention promptly.
Monitor their information intake
Like everybody else, seniors are susceptible to false information on social media and news outlets. This may affect how they follow health guidelines or protect themselves from the virus, which can have devastating effects on themselves and those around them, not to mention it can also contribute to stress and anxiety.
As a caregiver or family member, it is your duty to ensure seniors you care for are not exposed to false information. Monitor their sources of information to make sure they don’t stray or act on unsubstantiated medical advice.
Encourage them to stay active and healthy
Exercise is critical for seniors’ physical and mental well-being. To help them adjust fully to a post-pandemic world, encourage them to stay active, eat a balanced diet, and partake in exercises regularly. This is particularly important considering that older adults are at a higher risk of catching infections and diseases, which can compromise their health.
There are many exercises that can be beneficial for older adults, including yoga, lifting weights, swimming, walking, and pilates. Staying active can go a long way in ensuring seniors maintain optimal health.
Don’t rush them back
Due to prolonged periods of staying indoors and only having access to a few friends and family members, seniors might have a rather difficult time returning to normal. As such, rushing them into a life they have not known for some time might negatively affect their mental and psychological well-being.
To help them adjust accordingly, let them socialize at their own pace. You can begin by having a few friends and family come over and later reintroduce them to social places like parks and cafes. This will allow them ample time to get used to a new normal.
Maintain a routine
Working with a routine is an ideal way to help older adults get used to a new way of life. You can have a specific time for activities such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Having a scheduled dinner time can work to ease the effects of sundowner syndrome for seniors with dementia.
Equally important, set a fixed time for visits, whether in-person or online. Having a routine can help make the transition to a post-pandemic life seamless while allowing seniors to feel more connected and less anxious.
Be aware of their anxiety
Older adults are prone to anxiety, which may be characterized by low-level discomfort, rapid breathing, and elevated heart rate. These symptoms can lead to more serious health effects, including heart attacks. As a caregiver, be sure to watch out for signs of anxiety to help them return to normal as comfortably as possible.
As the world gets a better grip on the pandemic, let’s prioritize the concerns of seniors to ensure they adjust to a post-pandemic life with ease like everybody else. These tips can help you as you find the best and most effective ways to help the senior members of your family adjust successfully.
Living at Baxter Senior Living in Anchorage Alaska At Baxter Senior Living, we work to ensure that our community is an extension of your loved ones family. If you are at a place in your life that you need to discuss Anchorage Assisted Living, Anchorage Memory Care, or Anchorage Respite Care please reach out today. We are happy to help answer any questions. Contact a Baxter Senior Living Representative today! 907-865-3500
