Returning to Normal After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Now that nearly half of the U.S. adult population has been fully vaccinated from the COVID-19 virus, many Americans are eager for society to return to life pre-COVID. After a year of wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home as much as possible, people are ready to make the most of the summer season. For many, returning to “normal” is a sign that this pandemic is over.
Yet, some Americans are anxious about life returning to normal, including older adults. It’s difficult for some older adults to envision their “new normal.” Many got used to living in isolation and aren’t sure how to socially reintegrate. Some remain fearful of the coronavirus and want to continue to follow strict precautions to lower their risk of catching the virus. Others are itching to travel but have a reluctant spouse or concerned children who are holding them back.
If you are an older adult and are struggling with returning to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic, here are a few tips to help you adjust to post-pandemic life.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Physician
Schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss your health risks post-pandemic. At your appointment, share any concerns you may have and discuss when it might be appropriate for you to socially distance yourself from others or wear a mask. Let your doctor know if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression. Your doctor can check for underlying medical conditions, as well as provide recommendations on how to move forward post-pandemic. After over a year of being inundated with fear, it can take some time to readjust to life as it was before the pandemic.
Follow Local, State, & Federal Guidelines
Scientists and vaccine experts are learning more about the COVID virus and vaccine efficacy every day. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released updated guidelines to help us all navigate our daily lives. We grew accustomed to taking extreme precautions, especially in the first few weeks and months of the pandemic. Now that vaccines are available and many Americans are fully vaccinated, it can feel unsafe to ease up on those extreme precautions. Trust the guidance of the experts and follow all local, state, and federal recommendations.
Start Small
Take small steps to return to what your life looked like before the pandemic. If you’ve remained isolated from family, friends, or neighbors, or have declined social invitations, take one small step to reintegrate. Accept the next social invitation you receive. Venture out to a store during off-hours to avoid large crowds. If you’re fully vaccinated, the CDC reports that indoor and outdoor activities pose minimal risk for catching the virus. Yet, some older adults aren’t comfortable resuming all activities they previously enjoyed. Start by selecting one or two and slowly rebuild your social calendar.
Travel Smartly
If you have plans to travel, be sure to travel smartly. Some older adults feel comfortable leaving their home state, while others prefer to travel within state lines. According to the CDC, either option is safe for fully vaccinated travelers. Wherever you plan to go, do your research before leaving home. Travelers are still required to wear masks on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. Check the mask mandate status of your travel destination, including stops you may have in between your home and your vacation destination. Book a hotel or vacation rental that is strictly following all COVID cleaning guidelines. Avoid tourist destinations that attract large crowds. Another tip is to prepare your own meals at your hotel or rental or choose to carry out instead of dining-in. If you want to eat at a restaurant, go when the crowds are at their lowest, either before or after typical mealtimes.
Reflect Before Returning
One benefit of the COVID pandemic was that it caused us all to slow down. Many Americans picked up new hobbies or interests while stuck at home. Others reconnected virtually with friends and family because they had the time to do so. Before you jump back into your usual routine, pause to reflect. How did you grow during the pandemic? Did you learn a new hobby or establish a new routine that improved your overall well-being? If so, look at the return to normal as your opportunity to return to your “new normal.” Continue to engage in your hobbies and self-care habits, but also make time for friends and family.
If you’re an older adult who realized that you need more help at home during the COVID pandemic, perhaps your new normal includes professional help provided by Visiting Angels South Elgin. We make it easy to get the elderly home care assistance you need. Our services have enabled countless older adults to continue to live their preferred lifestyle right in the comfort of their own homes. Our professional caregivers share our core values of treating each client with dignity and respect. If you need help finding your new normal after the pandemic, let us support you. To learn more, please get in touch with us today by calling 847-429-0100.
Now that nearly half of the U.S. adult population has been fully vaccinated from the COVID-19 virus, many Americans are eager for society to return to life pre-COVID. After a year of wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home as much as possible, people are ready to make the most of the summer season. For many, returning to “normal” is a sign that this pandemic is over.
Yet, some Americans are anxious about life returning to normal, including older adults. It’s difficult for some older adults to envision their “new normal.” Many got used to living in isolation and aren’t sure how to socially reintegrate. Some remain fearful of the coronavirus and want to continue to follow strict precautions to lower their risk of catching the virus. Others are itching to travel but have a reluctant spouse or concerned children who are holding them back.
If you are an older adult and are struggling with returning to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic, here are a few tips to help you adjust to post-pandemic life.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Physician
Schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss your health risks post-pandemic. At your appointment, share any concerns you may have and discuss when it might be appropriate for you to socially distance yourself from others or wear a mask. Let your doctor know if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression. Your doctor can check for underlying medical conditions, as well as provide recommendations on how to move forward post-pandemic. After over a year of being inundated with fear, it can take some time to readjust to life as it was before the pandemic.
Follow Local, State, & Federal Guidelines
Scientists and vaccine experts are learning more about the COVID virus and vaccine efficacy every day. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released updated guidelines to help us all navigate our daily lives. We grew accustomed to taking extreme precautions, especially in the first few weeks and months of the pandemic. Now that vaccines are available and many Americans are fully vaccinated, it can feel unsafe to ease up on those extreme precautions. Trust the guidance of the experts and follow all local, state, and federal recommendations.
Start Small
Take small steps to return to what your life looked like before the pandemic. If you’ve remained isolated from family, friends, or neighbors, or have declined social invitations, take one small step to reintegrate. Accept the next social invitation you receive. Venture out to a store during off-hours to avoid large crowds. If you’re fully vaccinated, the CDC reports that indoor and outdoor activities pose minimal risk for catching the virus. Yet, some older adults aren’t comfortable resuming all activities they previously enjoyed. Start by selecting one or two and slowly rebuild your social calendar.
Travel Smartly
If you have plans to travel, be sure to travel smartly. Some older adults feel comfortable leaving their home state, while others prefer to travel within state lines. According to the CDC, either option is safe for fully vaccinated travelers. Wherever you plan to go, do your research before leaving home. Travelers are still required to wear masks on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. Check the mask mandate status of your travel destination, including stops you may have in between your home and your vacation destination. Book a hotel or vacation rental that is strictly following all COVID cleaning guidelines. Avoid tourist destinations that attract large crowds. Another tip is to prepare your own meals at your hotel or rental or choose to carry out instead of dining-in. If you want to eat at a restaurant, go when the crowds are at their lowest, either before or after typical mealtimes.
Reflect Before Returning
One benefit of the COVID pandemic was that it caused us all to slow down. Many Americans picked up new hobbies or interests while stuck at home. Others reconnected virtually with friends and family because they had the time to do so. Before you jump back into your usual routine, pause to reflect. How did you grow during the pandemic? Did you learn a new hobby or establish a new routine that improved your overall well-being? If so, look at the return to normal as your opportunity to return to your “new normal.” Continue to engage in your hobbies and self-care habits, but also make time for friends and family.
If you’re an older adult who realized that you need more help at home during the COVID pandemic, perhaps your new normal includes professional help provided by Visiting Angels South Elgin. We make it easy to get the elderly home care assistance you need. Our services have enabled countless older adults to continue to live their preferred lifestyle right in the comfort of their own homes. Our professional caregivers share our core values of treating each client with dignity and respect. If you need help finding your new normal after the pandemic, let us support you. To learn more, please get in touch with us today by calling 847-429-0100.