Sage Advice

Samantha A. Carlson, LMSW, Older Adult Services Director

Area Agency on Aging IIIA, 311 E Alcott St., Kalamazoo Phone: 269-373-5173 www.Kalcounty.com/aaa

March in Michigan usually means spring is around the corner! Spring in Michigan usually brings hope. Hope for longer, sunnier days and warmer weather. This spring will also bring hope for success and health to Michgianders after a turbulent 2020. March 2021 marks the one year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are enduring the new normal of avid hand hygiene, face-masks, social distancing, and potential vaccination opportunities. After a year of the Stay Home, Stay Safe practices, some older adults are apprehensive with re-entering the community. How do we celebrate spring in Michigan in a new, safe manner to rekindle hope? Especially for older adults, who are extremely at risk of COVID-19 and the variant viruses related to it?

First, start slow, and with purpose.

• Life will not “just go back to normal” post pandemic. Take the time to prioritize what is important to you, and how to resume those activities safely.

Reconnect to friends and family.

• Writing letters, cards, enjoying a telephone call, Face-timing, or Zoom Rooms are a great way to reconnect with family and friends.

Weather permitting, outdoor get together options are also a safe bet this spring.

Explore safe social opportunities.

• Senior Centers, Community Centers, and

Area Agencies on Aging organizations have evolved programming into unique, innovative opportunities for older adults! Virtual events, drive-thru

Enjoy outdoor activities.

• Parks and recreation areas are still welcoming guests to explore trails, walk through the woods, and enjoy nature. Remember to always inform your support system if you are going alone, keep your cell phone charged and accessible, and watch for icy patches for fall precautions.

Entertainment options.

• The Entertainment industry has transitioned to on-line and on-demand options. Some

older adults are exploring other options such as having a “Throwback Thursday” old movie night with one or two friends. Check with your friends/family to see what movies they have on-hand at home, and watch together via telephone or Facetime. If you choose to get together in person, don’t forget elbow bumps are a safe option of greeting, masks are always recommended, and social distancing is important. • For internet savvy older adults, virtual tours of museums, travel, music and classes are an option. Dare to explore new technology?

Senior Centers, Area Agencies on Aging, and the state of Michigan have classes to help!

Finally, the pandemic has taken an emotional toll on all of us.

Investing time and hope in utilizing resources to help with stress management, and the emotional impact of the last year is also an important part of a healthy lifestyle. The state of Michigan has Stay Well counseling programming free to Michigan residents. They offer virtual support groups, help lines, text help lines, mental wellness webinars, behavioral health guides, and video resources. Visit them online at: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_99557---,00.html or by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll free at 1-888-535-6136 and press “8”.