Living alone during the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine
Imagine you are 85 years old faced with one of the following circumstances: Living in NYC on/near the date of September 11, 2001 (September 11th Terror Attacks), living in New Orleans on/near the date of August 28, 2005 (Hurricane Katrina), or living alone during the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine. In any of these cases, you are a frail elder who doesn't own a car. What special challenges would you have faced on those days? You only need to select one circumstance, but can choose more than one if you wish.
Living alone during the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine as an 85-year-old frail elder without a car would present significant challenges. Here are some of the specific difficulties that I would face:
Limited Access to Essential Supplies: As a frail elder without a car, I would face difficulty in securing essential supplies such as groceries, medication, and personal hygiene products. With limited mobility and potential health risks, it would be challenging to venture out to crowded stores or pharmacies. Relying on delivery services or assistance from others may not always be reliable or easily accessible.
Increased Isolation: Being confined at home during the COVID-19 outbreak would exacerbate the sense of isolation and loneliness. As an older adult, social connections are crucial for mental well-being. Without the ability to easily visit friends, family, or participate in community activities, feelings of loneliness and depression may intensify.
Limited Access to Healthcare: With limited mobility and without a car, accessing healthcare services would become more challenging. Routine medical appointments, check-ups, and ongoing care could be disrupted or delayed due to transportation limitations. In case of emergencies or urgent medical needs, relying on public transportation or arranging transportation assistance can be difficult during a pandemic.
Increased Vulnerability to the Virus: Frail elders are at higher risk of severe illness or complications from COVID-19. Living alone without a car adds an additional layer of vulnerability, as it becomes challenging to maintain physical distancing while using public transportation or relying on others for assistance. Fear and anxiety about contracting the virus may increase due to limited control over external circumstances.
Lack of Technological Proficiency: Many aspects of daily life, such as online grocery shopping, telehealth appointments, or virtual socialization, have shifted online during the pandemic. As an elderly individual, I may face challenges in adapting to technology or lack access to the necessary devices or internet connection required for these activities.
In conclusion, living alone as an 85-year-old frail elder without a car during the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine would pose significant challenges related to accessing essential supplies, increased isolation, limited access to healthcare, heightened vulnerability to the virus, and potential technological barriers. Addressing these challenges would require support systems, community resources, and innovative solutions to ensure the well-being and safety of elderly individuals during such unprecedented times.