Lessons Learned from COVID 19
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW

In 1620 the Pilgrims were exploring a new world. In 2020 the coronavirus is creating a new world for us to navigate. We have had to adapt to a lot of adjustments in our changed environment.

We have faced many challenges during this pandemic. Loneliness and isolation caused by the COVID19 virus has brought to the surface underlying depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. People have had to deal with fear of the unknown.

I was trying to think of some positive things that have come out of our experience during this COVID 19 pandemic. The creativity of children who could not leave their homes for months was incredible. The way our residents have adapted is also amazing. But it has not been easy for everyone.

Helping each other through this crisis became a goal of neighbors who shopped for someone who could not get out. More people attended classes online than before. They were uplifted by the many interesting lectures via Zoom.

We have learned new ways to interact with each other. Communication became communal since you could not speak one on one. Residents spoke to each other from their catwalk. We have participated in holidays, birthdays, bar mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals via Zoom.

People who were homebound or lived alone faced a number of challenges. Interacting meaningfully with family and friends was a big concern. We all had to learn about new ways to communicate using newer technologies, whether through email, texting, Zoom, WhatsApp or facetime. We learned to have meetings and therapy sessions via Zoom. The telephone never had so much use.

We have learned new ways of coping with life’s challenges. We have begun to exercise more, including taking long walks in the neighborhood. Virtual communication and working from home have become a natural phenomenon. Hopefully we have also learned to listen to health experts instead of politicians.

To survive these troubling times emotionally and physically experts advise people to stop dwelling on the news, try to get more sunshine, exercise regularly, eat healthy, sleep regular hours and maintain social contacts.

Let’s hope we can take the positive lessons learnt from coping during the pandemic as we move forward with our lives.