Al BrandenburgPublished on Post-COVID Era May Present Challenges for Seniors
Note: This column was previously published in InMaricopa Magazine.
Life after the COVID-19 pandemic is becoming increasingly evident.
New cases as well as hospitalizations and deaths are on the decline. Mask mandates have ended.
Still, some elderly and compromised people remain in a quandary about mask-wearing, attending indoor events and seeing friends again.
Experts say some seniors may have difficulties adjusting to a post-COVID world after more than two years of isolation. Many older adults still are fearful of the disease and hesitant to jump too quickly back into social life. Others lament the loss of two-plus precious years when there are more years behind them than ahead.
Experts say seniors should try to slowly re-emerge, perhaps by attending small gatherings at first.
Concerns can be particularly acute when it comes to the emotional well-being of adults 65 and older, who tend to be at risk of experiencing severe illness more often. Many still fear the potential effects of the coronavirus because they know someone who was hospitalized or died from the disease.
Some experts believe we are moving toward COVID-19 morphing to an endemic from a pandemic. The flu also is considered endemic. This means it is always present in a group or area but not always at elevated levels. We have learned how to live with the flu.
COVID-19 remains a pandemic because cases haven’t stabilized into predictable patterns. So, plan for small, enjoyable activities with increasing frequency. It’s helpful to remember adjusting to pandemic life took a bit of time. Adjusting to post-pandemic life also will take time, but with patience and persistence your mind and body will remember and adapt.
So, let’s get out there and start living again.
Get-out-of-the-house ideas
The Dwarf Car Museum is a privately owned, non-profit museum showcasing handcrafted miniature automobiles of Ernie Adams.
Arizona Science Center encourages discovery of the world of science and imagination.
The Heard Museum is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, it collaborates with artists and tribal communities to provide a perspective about the art of Native people.
Pacana Park has a large pond extensively used for fishing, aquatic center, recreation center and skate plaza.
Copper Sky Recreation Center has a fitness center, aquatics, 98-acre park with fishing lake, courts and fields.
Maricopa Museum and Visitor Center at Heritage Park showcases the city’s heritage.
Jane Askew Memorial Park at the entrance of Rancho El Dorado has a small lake, fountains, green space and facilities.
Al Brandenburg is a member of the Maricopa Community Advocates.
