Did you know you can sell all or a portion of a life insurance policy, even term insurance?
(4 minute read)
Staying healthy in isolation became a national concern during the coronavirus pandemic. But for seniors and the elderly, this challenge isn’t so new. Even before the coronavirus, about a quarter of older adults didn’t have routine social contact, and 43% admitted they feel lonely, according to the National Academies of Sciences. They report that both isolation and loneliness can have severe health consequences, including at least a 50% greater likelihood of developing dementia, a 32% increased risk for stroke, and the presence of conditions like clinical depression and anxiety.
But all is not lost. While social isolation due to COVID-19 might feel like the straw that broke the camel’s back, it’s also a time when society is experiencing a massive reset in our habits and priorities. Seniors have the chance to join in the collective momentum and develop better health habits during social isolation. Here are some things you can do to get or stay healthy physically and mentally.
Feeling Less Isolated During Social Distancing
The emotional toll of social distancing is one of the biggest burdens for people of all ages. Proven psychological effects of life in quarantine include anger, irritability, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. The longer the quarantine, the worse these symptoms become.
Turning to some of the best social media apps for seniors is a good first step in connecting with other people from a distance. Even if you are creating a profile for the first time, you can find groups based on your background, profession, schools, or hobbies to join and make (or remake) connections. Skype, Google Duo, and Zoom are popular video conferencing apps you can use to see the faces of your loved ones on any kind of device.
Outside the internet, many households have chosen to adopt or foster pets during this quarantine to bring a little more joy into the house. From dogs and cats to rabbits and birds, all types of animals need shelter and care.
Lastly, practicing creative hobbies is shown in studies to alleviate feelings of loneliness. Painting, writing, or simply taking a virtual tour of a museum or historic site can help you feel less stifled by isolation.
Nutrition During Isolation
What we eat impacts both our physical and mental health. A diet with high amounts of red meat, processed foods, sugars, and fats may be linked to a greater likelihood of experiencing depression. This is a challenging cycle, because when we are feeling sad, many of us want to eat the very things that make us sad.
There’s also the question of availability. If you are able to get groceries delivered, fresh healthy eating may not be difficult. But for those who must go to the grocery store, buying a lot of produce could mean it all goes bad before you can eat it. Don’t forget about frozen vegetables that are packed at the peak of deliciousness to retain all their nutrients. Whole grains, olive oil, and lean proteins like fish and yogurt are less perishable parts of a “happy” diet for seniors.
Getting Better Sleep While Stressed
People across the world are sleeping longer during COVID, but they’re also sleeping worse. Researchers believe this is linked to an increase in each person’s “self-perceived burden” as the pandemic continues to endure.
The best advice from researchers on how to get better sleep is to get outdoors and exercise. According to the National Sleep Foundation, this is because your body temperature goes up during exercise. If you work out in the morning, you will have deeper sleep at night, while working out in the afternoon means you’ll be drowsy at just the right time. Working out at night can actually have the opposite effect because your body will not have time to cool down.
Exercising outside is important because you will get exposure to natural light, and light also has a big impact on sleep quality. Too much artificial light disrupts your body’s natural rhythm and is even linked to chronic issues like cancer, obesity, and heart disease. Aside from getting some sunshine in your life, it’s also a great idea to not sleep near your phone and avoid too much screen time right before bed.
Get Healthier and Happier During Social Distancing
Staying healthy in isolation is all about habits. At this moment in history when everything feels uncertain, choosing better habits and prioritizing your own health is a radical and brave action. We support you and believe you can do it!
Did you know you can sell all or a portion of a life insurance policy, even term insurance? Selling an unwanted life insurance policy is no different than selling your car, home or any other valuable asset that will create immediate cash. Contact us today to learn more.
Leo LaGrotte
Life Settlement Advisors
llagrotte@lsa-llc.com
1-888-849-0887
