As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, the advice from medical professionals is clear: Stay away from other people.
Given the current lack of COVID-19 testing in the United States, even those who are asymptomatic risk infecting others—endangering the lives of older adults or those who are immunocompromised.
But social distancing also could affect the health of the elderly, isolating them when they may be most in need of assistance. Now is the time to reach out to family, friends or neighbors who may be vulnerable, even if face-to-face contact isn’t advisable.
“Think about organizing something—even small changes, like leaving a note under the door or in the mailbox,” said University of Chicago sociologist Kathleen Cagney. “People should look for opportunities to do something that may make them slightly uncomfortable, but that could save someone’s life.”
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