Social Isolation

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One evening, my family and I discussed going out to see some friends when we were abruptly reminded that we could not! It felt weird, but we had to be responsible. We had been exposed to someone with COVID-19. We could not go anywhere. It felt like we were in a cage, able to do things but only in our home. Once we met the quarantine timeframe, we re-entered society and participated in our usual activities. Upon reflection of our time secluded, I pointed out to my children, imagine being “quarantined” for a year.

Some older adults have been self-quarantined, isolated, or secluding themselves even before the pandemic. A few examples of why people may have become isolated could be from a fear of falling, inability to find adequate transportation, or dealing with untreated/undiagnosed anxiety.

A recent study by The Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness stated that social isolation could lead to a 29% increased risk of premature death. The report discusses other negative factors that isolation and loneliness have on health, like, chronic lung disease, depression, self-neglect, addiction, abuse and exploitation.

What is MNRAAA doing to address this societal issue? First, we are naming it and calling attention to this issue. We may see it in our communities and within our families and we need to start talking about it. The first step in any solution is to identify the problem. So here it is, social isolation and loneliness is a problem.

Second, we are advocating at the federal and state level for additional funding to target organizations that assist those in combating social isolation. Because numerous programs have recently evolved, namely telemedicine and telephone reassurance programs, it is essential that reliable broadband internet is available to everyone. The Federal Communications Commission has made emergency broadband benefits available to assist in providing internet to everyone. Also, many local internet providers are working to establish more reliable and affordable internet service.

I challenge you to call attention to this problem. It will take all of us to work through social isolation and loneliness. We are stronger when we work together and together we can assist older adults to thrive!

– Jason W. Swanson

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Slayton Office Update – April 2021

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As we continue to navigate the waters of the COVID-19 Pandemic, MNRAAA, like so many other organizations, continues to operate in a virtual setting.
Last March, we temporarily closed our offices in Mankato and Slayton, pivoting all staff to working from home. MNRAAA continues to provide services for older adults and caregivers during the pandemic.

While all staff continue to work from home, MNRAAA has made the decision to permanently close our Slayton office location. The Mankato office will remain temporarily closed until further notice. With the Slayton office closed, MNRAAA is able to maintain all staff. Staff that worked in the Slayton office will continue to work remotely.

MNRAAA and the Senior LinkAge Line will continue to offer classes and presentations virtually in our twenty-seven counties. Although the MNRAAA sign on the building has been taken down from the Slayton office, it does not mean that our presence is gone. Just the opposite, MNRAAA is working hard to ensure that we represent and assist all of the communities in our service area.

Our staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners want to be available to you.

You can continue to reach MNRAAA online at MNRAAA.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/MNRAAA.

Thank you all for your continued support of our organization.

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Adapt Your Holiday Plans

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Places are closed, organizations have drastically shifted their service delivery, and plans have been canceled. This has become the norm during the pandemic of 2020. One thing that is not  canceled is the holiday season. Many of us look forward to either going to a loved one’s house, hosting people in your neighborhood/community or celebrating with a new family member. How we celebrate will be different this year; however, we still need to stay connected now more than ever. Here are a few ways to stay connected:

  • Host a virtual gathering where you can visit with loved ones;
  • Prepare frozen meals for friends and neighbors and deliver following health guidelines;
  • Write letters or emails, bring back the pen pal system; and/or
  • Spend time talking over the phone. Yes, you can still call people with cell phones!

If you are gathering in your home, health officials have guidelines to help people stay safe:

  • Make a meal for those that live within your household;
  • Indoor gatherings are difficult; try meeting outside around a bonfire;
  • Clean hands often, either washing or utilizing hand sanitizer; and,
  • Arrange chairs and place settings that encourage social distancing.

If you or someone else is feeling ill or has been exposed, please stay home and take care of yourself or your loved one. There will be opportunities to gather later; your health is the most important.

Do not cancel your holiday plans; make adaptations. We have an opportunity to improve how we communicate; letters, emails, virtual conferencing, video calling (Jetson style) and more! This year’s holiday season is one that we won’t soon forget but let us make it a season we won’t forget on a positive note. Explore new ways to celebrate and, most importantly, stay safe.

Jason W. Swanson, HSE
Executive Director

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October 2020 MNRAAA news is Available

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MNRAAA news  Volume XI – Issue III

Read the MNRAAA news in it’s entirety…(Read the PDF)

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