As medical experts understand COVID-19 better, it has become apparent that age is a determining factor in the severity and outcome of the disease in individuals. In particular, those aged 65 or older are 23 times at higher risk of death than younger people. Various governments have thus moved to prevent higher infections and death rates in the elderly and have required further quarantine. This means that the elderly will not be spending the holidays with their loved ones.

COVID-19 And Seniors

Currently, the world has recorded a total of 67.9 million cases and 1.5 million deaths due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, the US has had 14.6 million cases, with 281,253 deaths. 14.4% or more than 1.5 million of infections were from the 65+ demographic, a low percentage compared to other demographics. However, of the 281,253 deaths recorded, 80.3% or 163,077 were 65 years of age or older.

The elderly population has a significantly weaker immune system in addition to the various diseases they may already have. Because of that, not only are they more vulnerable to infections, but their bodies also have difficulty fighting off COVID-19. This results in more severe, and sometimes fatal, outcomes of infections. Therefore, extreme caution is advised for seniors, especially this holiday season.

Celebrate The Holidays With Seniors

After nine months of isolation, everyone is in need of hugs and quality time with their loved ones. This is especially true for the elderly who rely on face-to-face interactions for socialization. While families would love to hug and kiss grandma and grandpa, it may be better not to do that this year. However, there are still ways to make the holidays a little less lonely for seniors.

1 – Set Up A Holiday Pod

For those who intend to bring the family together, a holiday pod is a great idea. But before that, every member, including the elderly, has to get tested and quarantine for two weeks. The family can stay together for a few days or a couple of weeks and celebrate.

2 – Wear Masks And Practice Good Hand Hygiene

If you plan on visiting the elderly in any way or bring them home, make sure to keep them safe. In addition to testing, wear your mask over your mouth and nose. Sanitize your hands too so you do not unknowingly infect your grandparents or anyone else in the home.

3 – Deliver Their Favorite Holiday Meals

If senior loved ones can’t visit your home, you can still include them in festivities by having your family’s signature meals delivered to them. If you can, prepare enough food for all your other relatives. Make sure to practice proper hygiene while cooking, and place them in sealed containers that can be easily sanitized.

4 – Give Unwrapped Gifts

Gift-giving is at the core of Christmas. You can spread the holiday cheer among seniors by giving them simple gifts. Sanitize these before dropping them off, and skip the gift wrapper so that the staff at their home can sanitize them before distribution.

5 – Move Celebrations Online

If possible, the most interactive way to celebrate Christmas with seniors is to do so online. You can talk to each other over a video call while eating or opening gifts. This way, seniors can enjoy the holidays and be with the family safely.

Extend The Holiday Cheer

Spending most of the year in isolation throughout the pandemic has certainly taken its toll on seniors. It is important to ask how our elderly loved ones are doing these days and to remember them as we try to celebrate the holidays. It is still risky for seniors to step out and socialize, but there are ways to bring the holiday cheer to them.