Oregon seniors feel forgotten and afraid during COVID-19 pandemic
The pandemic has been difficult on everyone, but it has had a disproportionate impact on older adults. They're the most likely to contract COVID-19, to be hospitalized and to die. According to the health policy group, KFF, adults 65 and older account for 16% of the U.S. population, but 80% of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. Not only that, the isolation caused by the pandemic has taken a steep toll on seniors. Spokesperson for AARP Oregon, Joyce DeMonnin, said the impact is 10-20 times worse for older adults living alone. "We are seeing a lot of anxiety, frustration, and frankly, a lot of fear because it is this age group that is getting the sickest and passing away," she said. DeMonnin and Portland geriatric psychiatrists, Dr. Maureen Nash and Dr. Vimal Aga, were guests on this week's episode of "Straight Talk" to discuss how the pandemic has affected older adults and to give them information on resources that can help. More: https://www.kgw.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/straight-talk/oregon-seniors-pandemic-mental-health-anxiety-concerns/283-672c9d06-1e4e-42a6-86e3-24cfdd2d7341
KGW’s Straight Talk · Laural Porter/KGW
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Show Notes
The pandemic has been difficult on everyone, but it has had a disproportionate impact on older adults. They're the most likely to contract COVID-19, to be hospitalized and to die. According to the health policy group, KFF, adults 65 and older account for 16% of the U.S. population, but 80% of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. Not only that, the isolation caused by the pandemic has taken a steep toll on seniors.
Spokesperson for AARP Oregon, Joyce DeMonnin, said the impact is 10-20 times worse for older adults living alone.
"We are seeing a lot of anxiety, frustration, and frankly, a lot of fear because it is this age group that is getting the sickest and passing away," she said.
DeMonnin and Portland geriatric psychiatrists, Dr. Maureen Nash and Dr. Vimal Aga, were guests on this week's episode of "Straight Talk" to discuss how the pandemic has affected older adults and to give them information on resources that can help.
More: https://www.kgw.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/straight-talk/oregon-seniors-pandemic-mental-health-anxiety-concerns/283-672c9d06-1e4e-42a6-86e3-24cfdd2d7341