Social Isolation of Elderly and Youth During the Pandemic
- Kimberly Vasquez- Cid
- Feb 7, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: May 17, 2021
The pandemic has prevented people from social activities, face to face interactions between family members and friends, and social gatherings to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. This new way of living has been most difficult for the elderly because they are at a higher risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness (CDC, 2020). Meanwhile, the younger generation has been able to prevent social isolation by adapting to alternatives like internet platforms to continue their interactions with friends and loved ones. Thus, making social isolation in the elderly population worthy of addressing because of its increased risk of causing chronic conditions. To do this, it is necessary to illuminate preventative measures to support the elderly during the pandemic which can in turn prevent them from experiencing social isolation and can bring them closer to their community.
One of the biggest challenges that the elderly face is their lack of technology and the "know-how" when it comes to technology. 87% of elderly people do not have the technology and necessary skills to use them (No Isolation, 2020). Knowing this, the elderly should be taught to use main internet platforms to bridge the connection between themselves and the younger generations. The pandemic has removed elderly people from their social roles and has made them lose their opportunity to be part of social activities, leading to elderly people experiencing longer periods of social isolation.
Younger generations have used technology and social media platforms like Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay connected with family and friends. Although young generations experiencing the pandemic may be faced with social isolation, they have been able to continue their virtual interaction through technology. Young people have been able to adapt to technology as a way of socializing and keeping connections even if they are removed from their social roles (Moore and Hancock, 2020). Thus, technology will open a new opportunity for elderly people to continue their connections with people and better their social life to prevent them from feeling socially isolated.
The effects of social isolation are not only present with the elderly's lack of skills to use technology but with the constant worry of the danger that they face with the pandemic. The elderly are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their high risk of contracting chronic conditions that can lead to premature death (CDC). Because of this predicament, creating online mental health workshops and promoting mental health resources will prevent elderly people from developing the effects of social isolation and loneliness. Although this won't solve the effects of stress and fear of contracting conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart and lung disease on the elderly population, it could help lessen the amount of fear and worry that this pandemic has caused. This is not the same for younger generations; they do not have to worry about being at high risk of a chronic condition. A 25-year-old who contracts COVID-19 is approximately 250 times less likely to die compared to an infected 85-year-old (Thompson, 2020). Therefore, including mental health tips in the current pandemic like encouraging self-care practices at home, spending more time with their family members, or starting a new hobby at home may lessen elders' vulnerability to social isolation.
The pandemic has halted everyone from continuing their jobs, social relationships, and other extracurriculars in their daily life. Elderly people in particular are experiencing social isolation because they lack the necessary skills to use technology to communicate with friends and loved ones, and they do not have access to mental health resources that can lessen their fear of contracting chronic conditions. This is why it is important to bridge the gap between younger generations and elderly people to support each other through this pandemic. To do this, the elderly should be taught the necessary skills to use technology and be guided with mental health resources to address their fear of contracting a chronic condition. Such efforts would give elders the tools to find new hobbies that bring them joy in their daily lives.
Reference page
(2020). Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention,
No Isolation. (2020).Why Do Many Seniors Have Trouble Using Technology?. No Isolation,
Ryan C. Moore, Jeffrey T. Hancock.(2020). Older Adults, Social Technologies, and the
Coronavirus Pandemic: Challenges, Strengths, and Strategies for Support. SAGE
Journals, journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2056305120948162.
Thompson, Derek. (2020).What Young, Healthy People Have to Fear From COVID-19. The
Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company,
Image by: Laurence Mouton/ Getty Images
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