It has been only a few days since the world has come to a screeching halt and you likely find yourself in isolation with your family and furry friends. And some of us who are already living alone have become even more isolated. Either of these scenarios lends a new perspective as to what isolation really means. Many of the members of our elder population live in isolation – alone, every day. This newfound perspective provides an opportunity to remedy elder isolation, both now and after the pandemic is over. It is time to reach out, reach out to your grandmother, your mother, your father, grandfather, your parent’s elderly best friend, your elder aunt, uncle, friend, neighbor. Remembering too, that many do not live in the same technology era, and they can go days without communicating. It is time for change and realization. Mail still arrives and phones still ring. Send a message of love to your elder, and encourage your siblings, friends and other family members to act on this new perspective, too. Many elders might not remember the act shortly after it arrives, but know that they did for the moment, and it filled the soul. It is time to reconnect and break the barrier of isolation.
