So glad to be returning to the life course scholars program after break! Coming back I was surprised at how much stuff we had planned for the quarter. We have the implementation of our Healthy Aging Project, another intergenerational exchange, an ageism project, a neighborhood assessment, book club, and more blogs! It sounds like a packed schedule but I’m so glad it is because I know we are making the most of our time together. Even in the pandemic this course has been so incredibly impactful and brought light to my busy schedule of classes.
I think taking this course during the pandemic has brought another dimension to the class where we are focused on learning about a population made extra vulnerable by the pandemic. The pandemic contributed to this in 2 big ways but also more. Older adults are more vulnerable to COVID-19 are more likely to experience worse symptoms if infected. Recovery is harder for their bodies and needing extra in-person assistance in their life also affects their ability to safely quarantine. Moreover, social distancing guidelines impact older adults relationships and connections differently than other age groups. While many other age groups have more swiftly transitioned to services and socializing through technology, many older adults have less access to certain technology or don’t know how to use it to connect with loved ones and friends. So learning about healthy aging during the pandemic just added to its relevance.
It seems after a year we are finally approaching the end of the pandemic. While it's still not very close to being completely over, increased vaccine distribution does leave me hopeful. Additionally, I’ve heard that certain housing communities for older adults have been able to reopen some of their communal spaces and services for the first time since the start. This is great news that vaccinated older adults are able to reconnect safely in these ways for the first time in over a year. Overall, I am hopeful that things will continue to get better as vaccines open up for all adults and I am excited for what this quarter of Life Course Scholars will bring
I think taking this course during the pandemic has brought another dimension to the class where we are focused on learning about a population made extra vulnerable by the pandemic. The pandemic contributed to this in 2 big ways but also more. Older adults are more vulnerable to COVID-19 are more likely to experience worse symptoms if infected. Recovery is harder for their bodies and needing extra in-person assistance in their life also affects their ability to safely quarantine. Moreover, social distancing guidelines impact older adults relationships and connections differently than other age groups. While many other age groups have more swiftly transitioned to services and socializing through technology, many older adults have less access to certain technology or don’t know how to use it to connect with loved ones and friends. So learning about healthy aging during the pandemic just added to its relevance.
It seems after a year we are finally approaching the end of the pandemic. While it's still not very close to being completely over, increased vaccine distribution does leave me hopeful. Additionally, I’ve heard that certain housing communities for older adults have been able to reopen some of their communal spaces and services for the first time since the start. This is great news that vaccinated older adults are able to reconnect safely in these ways for the first time in over a year. Overall, I am hopeful that things will continue to get better as vaccines open up for all adults and I am excited for what this quarter of Life Course Scholars will bring