Senior Style

Reach out to make a difference Nourish meal program delivery by a Vivalon staff member provides vital services to seniors. – Photo by Mo DeLong President and Publisher | Rob Devincenzi Ad Manager | Lori Pearce Advertising Operations | Diane Sartarelli This Senior Style Special Section is produced in its entirety by the Advertising Department of the Marin Independent Journal and did not involve the editing or reporting staff of the Marin IJ's newsroom. The Marin Independent Journal is located at 4000 Civic Center Drive, Suite 301 in San Rafael, Calif. 94903. By Judith M. Wilson Special to the Marin IJ T he COVID-19 pandemic has been life-chang- ing for the community's elders. They've had to forgo the pleasure of hugs from family members as well as the social activities that make life normal, and they're often alone. It's a concern, because while isolation is a major health problem for older adults in normal times, this time is decidedly abnormal. Con- nections are vital if seniors are to remain engaged and maintain good mental health. "We have to find out how to have connectiveness," says Dr. Patrick Arbore of the Institute on Aging in San Francisco. "When we feel a sense of connection, we feel more in control of our lives." Arbore, who founded the institute's Friendship Line California and the Center for Elderly Suicide Preven- tion, explains that while sheltering in place is wise for maintaining physical health, the resulting social isolation and loneliness create challenges. "If we can reduce isolation and loneliness, it would have an overall effect on suicidal thinking and depres- sion," he says. Everyone is vulnerable to the chronic stress that results from physical distancing, so he suggests watch- ing older individuals for mood and behavior changes, such as irritability, anger, frustration, impatience and insomnia. Physical and emotional fatigue, for instance, might cause someone to feel tired but interfere with sleep. In that situation, he recommends informing the senior's primary-care physician. In addition, he explains that many elders are experiencing a feeling of pro- found loss, which he describes as an ambiguous loss, because it isn't a death but feels like one. They can't participate in family events or visit favor- ite restaurants with friends, and if they lose someone, they can't grieve in the normal way and find comfort in the closeness of others. He encourages seniors ex- Connections Count How you can improve the quality of life for the elderly in Marin 6 October 18, 2020 Senior Style A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com

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