In this article in the New York Times, we find that Covid is still disproportionately affecting our senior population, resulting in more frequent hospitalization for those over 65 and, sadly, in all too many cases, death. For some, the stress of hospitalization adds an added layer of stress which can set off a litany of a whole new set of symptoms that can sometimes require repeated hospital stays. Covid can trigger a downward spiral for seniors.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found that, while sometimes lifesaving, hospital stays can also be dangerous for the senior population. The lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and disruption of daily schedules can elicit unhealthy stress responses that can exacerbate existing physical, mental, and cognitive decline.
The pandemic has revealed the myriad insufficiencies in our current healthcare system, which functions in tandem with family caregivers who, more and more, struggle to help their loved ones due to pervasive systemic challenges. In many cases, families are left to make life-and-death decisions for their loved ones. In many cases, caregivers are burned out, depressed, and/or dealing with health challenges of their own. Disturbingly, recent studies have reported numerous health concerns for long-term caregivers for whom options for support are limited.
What can we do to better serve our senior population? How can we support caregivers who unselfishly provide crucial support to loved ones in the final years of their life? Where can religious organizations step in? Where does healthcare need to step up? What are some promising steps that are already being taken?
I welcome your thoughts. And your prayers.
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