How Seniors Can Build Community Connections

By 2030, 70 million Americans will be 65 years of age or older, and these seniors will constitute 20% of the U.S. population. In 2000, the population of U.S. seniors was just half that number. As we approach the time when one in every five Americans will be a senior, it’s time to celebrate the wisdom that comes with age.

President Jimmy Carter of Plains, Georgia replaced “Senior Citizens Month” with the moniker “Older Americans Month” when he carried on the tradition of recognizing those over 65 years of age every May. To coincide with that observance, the Administration for Community Living, celebrates older Americans as well. This year’s national recognition focuses on older Americans’ ability to build “Communities of Strength.” America’s seniors are known for their resilience – a particularly valuable skill to have these days.

During the past year, we were all pressed to find ways to connect and engage with others – safely. For older Americans, who have prevailed through extended challenging periods before, the pandemic might have been new but the associated isolation was not. Recall the sacrifices older adults made during wars, when they were separated from those they loved, and times of economic crisis, such as the Great Depression. Their stories of optimism and perseverance have particular value to those of us who have not experienced the isolation of separation before.

Getting Back Together – Safely

Masks and social distancing, while not required by the state of Georgia, are “strongly encouraged outside of individuals’ homes.” However, it’s the second part of the state’s stance that is causing confusion for seniors and their families – “except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” Even though the CDC and the state have eased their respective guidance related to those who have been vaccinated, the choice to wear or not wear a mask has been left largely to the discretion of companies and business owners, who can require or banish masks when you visit them. Retail stores, restaurants, and grocery stores can continue to mandate masks if they choose.

The CDC has cleared the way to allow vaccinated seniors to visit with non-vaccinated individuals of all ages as long as those who are not vaccinated are healthy and the meetings remain small in size. Additionally, some vaccinated Americans, both seniors and non-seniors, are opting to continue to wear masks until they are comfortable removing them.

As seniors step back into the world to revisit existing connections and make new ones, remember to take whatever precautions you need to feel safe. Because COVID-19 guidelines are being updated regularly, seniors should check CDC guidance for the latest directives before they venture out.

Dina Kadan White2023-11-09T17:20:48+00:00May 26th, 2021|

About the Author: Dina Kadan White

As Vice President of Kadan Homecare, White oversees the day-to-to day operations and assists with strategic planning for company. White has worked with Kadan full-time for the past 11 years, although she has been engaged with the family-run firm at some level for most of her adult life. Prior to joining Kadan, White served as Director of Product Development at Equifax and previously was a Marketing Director with Wachovia. These jobs prepared her well for a position where she works for the benefit of all aspects of this highly client-focused agency. White holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a member of the National Private Duty Association, a membership organization for firms whose homecare model is to employ, train, monitor and supervise caregivers, create a plan of care for the client and work toward a safe and secure environment for the person at home. White is also a member of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.