It was her mother’s 91 st birthday. The family had been planning her party for months and Veronica had her bags packed and her airline ticket. She was ready to go, however, because of the virus known as COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) and the stay-home order, Governor Newsome issued on March 15th, 2020 for folks over the age of 65 as well as other “vulnerable” groups of Californians, there would be no birthday party. Later on March 19th, he issued Executive Order #N-33-20, the “Safer at Home, Stay at Home” order requiring everyone who is not an essential worker to stay home except for necessary trips out for things such as groceries, prescriptions, and required medical appointments.
I interviewed people over the age of 65 who live alone regarding how they are managing during this time of forced isolation. Most were women, widows and several were men. Here are their answers and the issues they struggle with during this time. Ninety percent of respondents stated they are staying at home at least 90% of the time, only going out for essentials, and all are using masks when in public. Most of them revealed they are doing these errands by themselves because there is no one near enough to them to help out. One person cannot go out at all because her car needs repairs, but the repair shop cannot get the parts.
In order to stay socially connected, most are communicating often with family and friends using phone calls, texting, Facebook or Facebook Messenger. Several are attending online church gatherings via Zoom. Some of the things they most regret missing out on are dining out, travel, attending graduation ceremonies and birthday celebrations. One missed the opening day of the MLB season, a once in a lifetime opportunity for her.
Several said they miss volunteering and like most of us, they all said they miss seeing their families and friends in person. Some miss their “church family” and have a difficult time on Sundays because this is normally their day to visit with others. Most are staying busy and maintaining a positive attitude, puttering around in their gardens as well as walking pets, praying, meditating, and doing long put off household projects. One-fifth of people questioned were working at least part-time prior to the stay-home order and all of those have either been laid off or terminated from their positions. None have yet received any assistance by way of unemployment benefits.
About a fifth of respondents say their retirement or investment portfolios have dropped by about 20-30% and more than 70% say they are paying at least half as much more for groceries than they normally do, mainly because they cannot get items that they generally use and replacements are more expensive. Necessary doctor visits have been accomplished for the most part via video chat. One respondent was issued a citation and violation warning by the County for some items that she has in her carport, placed and kept there after her home was flooded from the
March rains, but said she is unable to move these things by herself and there is no one she can call for help in doing so. Several said what they miss the most is their freedom to come and go as and when they please, and several miss their “peace of mind.”
Don’t we all?
