The COVID-19 Pandemic and Resiliency
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been told that the COVID-19 virus could affect the elderly and more immune-compromised individuals more harshly than others. Because of this, the healthcare industry, more specifically nursing homes and assisted living facilities, have had to enforce strict regulations for their residents. One concern of many is how the loneliness and isolation would affect the residents, while attempting to keep them healthy and safe. However, studies have shown that many residents are indeed thriving at this time, as opposed to the younger generation, when it comes to mental health.
Social deprivation has been known to be extremely harmful for youth; in fact, due to loneliness and lack of social interaction, it’s predicted that many will experience depression. Research from a Chinese preliminary study showed that those who experienced isolation between the ages of 3 and 18, were “more clingy, distracted, irritable and fearful of asking coronavirus-related questions” (MNT, pg. 3). Not only is one’s mental health at risk, but the lack of social interaction can also cause physical symptoms, including an increased risk of diabetes or death and a weakened immune system overtime.
While the older generation has been considered the most vulnerable during this time, research shows that these adults’ mental health were less negatively impacted. Researchers believe this is linked to an increased resilience– they want to stay connected! The elderly want to continue to maintain their relationships and because of that, they are more willing to learn technology and just how to work around the new guidelines set forth by the CDC and their nursing home or assisted living facility.
If you are considering Elderly Care Services in Findlay OH, please contact the caring staff at Med1Care. Located in Toledo and Findlay. Serving clients in all of northern Ohio including Bowling Green, Bryan, Bucyrus, Celina, Defiance, Findlay, Fremont, Kenton, Lima, Lorain, Mansfield, Marion, Mount Gilead, Napoleon, Norwalk, Ottawa, Paulding, Port Clinton, Sandusky, Tiffin, Toledo, Upper Sandusky, Van Wert, Wapakoneta, Wauseon and all nearby areas. Toledo 419.866.0555 | Findlay 419.422.0305
