Well before social distancing, there were a number of seniors and their families who had already got a head start on isolated living. Seniors may become house bound due to a number of reasons. Illness, mobility issues or lower confidence levels of stepping our alone. Whatever the reason, now that the world is on the same platform, does social distancing have the potential to improve senior lives?
Let’s look at a few cases where some seniors see a silver lining in the present pandemic situation.
Reviving Old Connections
Malathy, 81, grapples with debilitating arthritis while her husband who is 85 never completely recovered from a stroke and still has balance and mobility issues. They haven’t stepped out of their house for years.
Malathy and her husband live a simple existence. Their limited mobility issues make them completely dependent on others to look after them when they go out. “As a result, my husband and I live a solitary existence relying on each other for support and company,” says Malathy.
But now it isn’t only Malathy and her husband who are stuck at home. Furthermore, the solution found by society as a whole has benefitted them immensely. Malathy’s old ‘satsang’ group now meets online. She is back to being an active participant in her weekly online prayer meeting and enjoying re-connecting with these old friends.
Depending on your interests, there are a large number of resources available. Talks, seminars, webinars, infact, there are vitual tours of exhibitions and museums that you could avail online. Broadway plays, ballets and operas are also love streamed over the weekend, if you are looking for a new experience.
A Little Creativity can Improve Senior Lives
Shikha is a single mother and sole caregiver to her bedridden mother. The mundane routine of office, the long commute back home and caregiving duties left her exhausted, with little time for an outlet for herself.
Now with more time on her hands and her children also at a loose end, she has become more creative. Alongside her work from home corporate day, she has started a small home chef operation for sweets and desserts. Her children and mother bond over shaping ladoos and pasting labels on the delivery containers. Shikha not only loves the extra financial support coming in, but is happy to keep her children constructively busy. Her mother is also in a happier frame of mind.
As a senior, one of the most difficult challenges is the feeling of not being a contributor. Being helpful or being able to support the family in small ways goes a long way in aiding the mental wellbeing of a senior. If you are a senior in a multigenerational family, you can offer to take over certain routines of the day. Babysitting, peeling garlic, perhaps even taking over a full meal if you have the energy, are invauable contributions that can make you feel more productive.
More Family Time with Children and Grandchildren
With most people working from home, many seniors have said that they speak to their children more often than before. With the pandemic and lockdown, adult children have also been more concerned about their ageing parents.
Suman who lives abroad constantly worries about her parents and how they are coping. Along with her work calls she has scheduled in calls to her parents a few times a day. Her children are also regulars on the call. As a result, they are also getting to know their grandparents better and forming a closer bond. Suman’s parents look forward to these regular exchanges in the day.
While nothing lasts forever, there is no end date for when this pandemic will end. In the meantime, developing a new skill, watching a concert, pursuing a hobby is just a click away.
Unmukt – The Senior Hub is a one-stop solution for seniors, their families and caregivers.