Spotting the Social Isolation and Opening Minds of Your Senior Loved Ones

SPOTTING THE SIGNS AND OPENING MINDS Fighting Social isocation in Your Senior Loved Ones • By Simona Valanciute

If you’re the caretaker of a parent or other elderly relative, it can be challenging to convince your loved one to try something new.

However, what you may perceive as stubbornness could be a sign they are experiencing social isolation, which poses serious risks to their health and wellbeing. Social distancing, while important to containing the coronavirus, may exacerbate their loneliness by taking away normal routines and activities, as well as physical contact and hugs from family and friends. It’s now more important than ever for caretakers to identify the signs of social isolation and help loved ones find ways to stay curious and engaged with the world virtually.

Multiple studies have shown social isolation is as bad for a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is even more harmful than obesity; it has also been linked to higher blood pressure, a lowered

immune response and earlier onset of dementia. A few ways an older parent or relative may show negative effects of social isolation are: lack of interest in staying connected to the outside world, their hobbies or social activities they once enjoyed; poor personal hygiene; signs of poor nutrition, such as rapid weight gain or loss, or lack of appetite; significant disrepair, clutter or hoarding behavior in their home; having trouble sleeping, or sleeping more than usual; and/or declines in memory or information processing.

It can be difficult to convince an older loved one to get outside their comfort zone, whether that’s embracing different ways of communicating through technology or trying new activities. Change is hard for people of any age, and seniors especially may rely on rigid ways of thinking to navigate a constantly changing world and feel

good about themselves.

One healthy way to give seniors that self-esteem is to help them learn a new skill, or at least experience a familiar activity in a new, virtual way. Doing so may allow them to socialize with new people and develop confidence as they improve. Here are some ideas.

Go back to school. Multiple community colleges in the San Diego area offer online classes for seniors, and many are free. Organizations like San Diego Oasis, a national nonprofit that offers lifelong learning courses for seniors, offer dozens of free or low-cost courses in topics from art history, meditation, foreign language to telehealth and more. If your loved one speaks fondly of their college days, or has previously expressed curiosity about a certain subject, sign them up for an online class.

Get moving in the living room. Virtual fitness classes are everywhere now. Yoga studios and gyms are offering live streamed online classes or video workouts, but your loved one may feel that these are too “young” for them. If that’s the case, check out Silver Sneakers’ selection of home workout videos designed especially for people aged 65 and older. If you’re their primary caretaker and can still visit them at home, try a workout with them—it might get you two laughing, which is also good for your health!

Participate in religious services online. Seniors who regularly attend some kind of religious service or spiritual group can often live longer than their non-religious peers, particularly because it provides them with a strong social network. Encourage your loved one to attend services or meetings online, if possible, and help them get comfortable with the technology to do so. If your loved one misses a support group their faith community previously provided, encourage them to check out the free support groups available through San Diego Oasis.

Demystify technology. Many of the same colleges and nonprofit organizations offering academic or lifelong learning courses for seniors also teach practical skills workshops that help them use new technology. San Diego Oasis offers multiple virtual lessons, taught by our engaging, smart, and funny instructors, to help seniors master video chats with Zoom, figure out their smartphone and more.

You’ve probably heard many people say, “we’re all in this together.” For caretakers of seniors, this means not just looking out for your loved ones’ physical wellbeing, but also watching out for the signs of social isolation. Opening our minds to new experiences is the best way to stay mentally healthy and connected to community.

SAN DIEGO OASIS IS AN AWARD-WINNING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SERVING PEOPLE AGE 50 AND BETTER, WHO PURSUE HEALTHY AGING THROUGH LIFELONG LEARNING, ACTIVE LIFESTYLES, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. LEARN MORE AT WWW.SANDIEGOOASIS.ORG.

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WOMEN FROM ISRAEL: WE ARE THE DOERS

Women are a powerful force in philanthropy and that power shapes our world. Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) marks the month of May as its annual Women’s Month. All year long, and especially during May, JNF-USA celebrates and highlights the remarkable women who have taken on leadership roles within the organization, the role women play in making a philanthropic difference, and the direct impact women have had in building a prosperous and secure Israel. Thanks to the generosity of a donor from Phoenix, AZ, every gift made to JNF-USA’s Women’s Campaign will be matched up to $1 million through May 31, 2020.

“JNF-USA’s San Diego Women for Israel is a rapidly growing cohort of passionate and involved supporters of Israel,” said San Diego Board President Shari Schenk. “Even during this unsettling time, we had 50 women participate in our Yom Ha’atzmaut Zoom event, raising significant money for JNF-USA’s tremendous work. Our community of women is dedicated to supporting Israel through Jewish National Fund and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this magnificent group.”

During normal circumstances, JNF-USA would be gearing up to host events across the country to bring thousands of women together to share their personal stories and highlight the important work JNF-USA accomplishes thanks to the women who give their time and financial support. However, this year is a bit different. Many are confined to their homes during this time of uncertainty, and as we wait for the current state of events to turn, JNF-USA is making the most of the situation by moving many of its Women for Israel events online. Information on virtual programming can be found at jnf.org/ ondemand.

“Even though we are living in unprecedented times, women are still the doers of Jewish National Fund,” said JNF-USA’s Women for Israel President and San Diego Board Member Myra Chack Fleischer. “We are determinedly pushing forward with a goal to raise millions for Israel during May, JNF-USA’s Women’s Month.”

The impact of women in philanthropy continues to surge as more wealth becomes concentrated among women. It is estimated that by 2030, three-quarters of all wealth in the U.S. will be controlled by women. Today, 60% of wealth is already managed by women. Almost half of the leadership positions at JNF-USA across the U.S. are held by women—including 21 National Board Members, 20 local Board Presidents, and 227 Task Force Members.

JNF-USA’s Women for Israel is a dynamic group of female philanthropists who share a passion for building a prosperous future for the land and people of Israel. The group was founded with the creation of the Sapphire Society under the leadership of Terry L. Katz of Philadelphia, PA. In just two decades, JNF-USA’s Women for Israel has become a powerhouse within the organization, with over 50,000 donors across the country contributing more than 25% of the dollars raised each year to improve the quality of life in Israel for all who call it home. Through this society, women connect with each other on many levels—professionally, emotionally, and ideologically— with the common goal of changing lives in Israel and supporting the ongoing development of the Jewish homeland.

Throughout May, JNF-USA’s website, blog, and social media channels will call attention to the incredible women involved with the organization. On May 20, join San Diego Women for Israel Chair and owner of Spice + Leaf Debbie Kornberg for a virtual cooking class where women across the country will join together to bond and learn how to make delicious dishes. More information about this and other virtual events is available at jnf.org/ondemand. Follow along on social media using the hashtag #JNFWomen. To learn more about JNF-USA’s Women for Israel, visit jnf.org/women or contact JNFUSA’s San Diego Director Monic Edelman at medelman@jnf.org or 858.824.9178 x988.