There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has changed many things in our world over the past few months. I’ve heard concerns from families and communities about how older adults will cope with physical distancing, but we see that with age comes some advantages.

 

• Positivity bias – Older adults exhibit what has been described as a “positivity bias”. They tend toward optimism more so than their younger counterparts. They have rebounded from adversity before, likely many times over their lives, and expect to do so again. Even in the face of uncertainty older adults often have a positive outlook and a better perspective.
• Focusing on you & yours – Youth and middle age are often spent working on building our careers and families and working on financial goals. In contrast, for many, old age is a time of taking satisfaction in the more emotionally and spiritually satisfying aspects of life. It’s an opportunity to focus on yourself and sharing your experiences, lessons and gifts with grandchildren and younger generations.
• More Good Years – Older adults are living longer in their own homes. Over the last two decades, the impacts of aging have become increasingly delayed and manageable. Chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and COPD no longer mean the loss of independence, leaving more years of enjoyment.

 

While older adults may be better equipped to deal with adversity, maintaining physical distance is a new way of life for all of us. Adjusting to less contact with friends and family up close and the limited knowledge we have of COVID-19 can cause anxiety and loneliness. Below are a few tips and routines that can help people of all ages keep a routine and focus on what’s important.

 

• Enjoy today, appreciate the moment – Although the gyms remain closed, many have discovered that they can get out every day for a walk, as long as they stay six feet away from others and wear a mask. Just a simple walk outside can help lift your mood and support your joints and muscles. Take a moment to listen and be present. Enjoy the bird songs, the sound of the breeze or the noises of your neighborhood.
• Practice emotional proximity – Frequent emotionally satisfying conversations with friends, neighbors and faith communities are important, as many people miss in-person social connections. Nurture your relationships and reach out to one another. Many older adults I work with now have more frequent contact by phone and video than ever before. Think of ways to be social that do not involve a face-to-face visit. Leaving a note in a friend’s mailbox can help us feel connected in a tangible way.
• Embrace a new social routine – Build routines to connect with loved ones by setting up a call appointment. We need more frequent and satisfying interactions to balance out the physical distance. Focus on sharing meaningful conversations, be open to sharing how you feel and really listening to others, too. Use rituals to connect like cooking the same meal or getting delivery and sitting down to dinner “together” digitally.

 

For more information about mental health and expert resources visit us online or contact the Center for the Aging Brain at (914) 375- 4880. For mental health support, please call (718) 920 – 8888.

 

Gary J. Kennedy MD, Vice Chair for Education, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science. Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine