Faith-based health system, AdventHealth’s Infection Expert and Chief Medical Officer of Senior Care Examine Seniors’ Mental Well-being During the Mixed Vaccination Stage of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 global pandemic has fueled a full-fledged mental health crisis for us all. From parents to teenagers, one of the most unprecedented times in history has had many of us – some more than others – in a constant state of anxiety and confusion. The pandemic’s most overlooked mental health victims? The elderly. Among the most vulnerable demographic in society, adults over the age of 65 have not only been stripped of their social lives and cut off from their families and the outside world, but also faced the virus’ disproportionate impact of infection, accounting for 80 percent of all COVID-related deaths. According to a recent poll among older adults (ages 65 and older), close to half (46%) in July 2020 said that worry and stress related to coronavirus has had a negative impact on their mental health, up from 31% in May 2020.

Now, a year into the pandemic, the multistep solution to COVID-19 has ushered in the next phase of uncertainty: how to navigate the “mixed vaccination” stage of the pandemic. In other words, when you’ve been vaccinated, but some of your younger family members and loved ones have not. After months of physical avoidance and lack of social interaction, older adults are having to gauge their comfortability attending social gatherings with family and friends.

Do routines change? Is the vaccine a cure all that eliminates the precautionary safety methods that have since become our norm? We say, not yet. This step – though a right step – toward a new normal is just the beginning, but here’s what you need to know to navigate this next chapter safely, taking the appropriate measures to protect yourself and others.

Though a vessel for hope, the COVID-19 vaccine is simply one part of a greater solution. It is an additional layer of protection that boosts the safety measures and protective precautions we’ve adopted during this time (e.g., masks, hand washing, physical distancing, air flow, etc.). It does not cancel out these methods. After one is fully vaccinated, their immune system can identify the coronavirus spike protein and neutralize it, but until then, one may still be an asymptomatic carrier with potential to spread it to those more vulnerable. And while not highly susceptible to complications or death from COVID-19, younger groups, like your grandchildren, may be vectors who can easily and unknowingly spread the virus. That said, play it safe.

Continue to wear a mask, remain socially distant in public, follow CDC recommendations to prevent getting sick, etc. The CDC's newest guidelines stated fully vaccinated people can gather without masks and social distancing – in a single household – with people considered at low-risk for severe disease (e.g., vaccinated grandparents visiting healthy children and grandchildren), so there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but only if we all do our part in staying hypervigilant.

We at AdventHealth recognize the importance of whole-person care – nurturing one’s mind, body and spirit to live an abundant life. This applies to our seniors.

Stay the course a little longer and continue precautions. As more join you and get vaccinated, the social benefits of vaccination will come to fruition. In the meantime, continue precautions even if you're vaccinated. Spending time with our loved ones is important to our whole [person] health. Interacting with friends, family, faith community, coworkers, etc. helps us feel whole. We aren’t wired to always be at home by ourselves – especially senior citizens. Continue to prioritize your social interactions, of course, but rethink your methods so you can do them safely.