TUCSON, Ariz. - The COVID-19 pandemic has made an impact on our lives, and for older adults and those with underlying health conditions, this also holds true.
“Obviously people are not going out very much so, isolation I think has increased," said W. Mark Clark, the President and CEO of the Pima Council on Aging.
Clark said that throughout Arizona's stay-at-home order, the PCOA had an increase in the amount of older people calling in with concerns over the pandemic.
“It’s definitely an issue of extreme concern to us," said Clark.
He added that even though the stay-at-home order has been lifted in Arizona, the PCOA continues to encourage older people throughout Pima County to continue practicing social distancing.
Clark said that when it comes to talking to our older friends, neighbors, parents and grandparents about the precautions they should follow, it is best to just sit down and have the conversation.
“I think talking is the best way to do it," he said.
Clark added that both parties should lay out each and all of their concerns and carefully evaluate them.
“Listening is so very important and providing people with an opportunity to talk about their fears and concerns," he said.
Clark said when anyone asks him what they can be doing to help out an older friend or adult, he said his answer is always a simple one.
“When people ask me what they should do I say, be neighborly," said Clark.
Anyone who is an older adult or the caretaker of an older adult and needs help can contact the Pima Council on Aging at 520-790-7262, or can click here.