As it is more important for older adults to practice social distancing, it is crucial to acknowledge the stressors that may affect their overall well-being during this time and the psychological resilience it takes to overcome them. Older adults have faced many other difficulties in their lifetimes like major weather events, natural disasters, economic impacts, and even previous pandemics which some may say have prepared them for the adaptations that the current pandemic has forced. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention marks four pandemics in the last 100 years, excluding COVID-19.

With our safety responses to the current pandemic, how are older adults adjusting to new measures put in place to provide safety? Brenda Whitehead, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, published in The Gerontologist, conducted an online survey of adults over the age of 60 and found that the most commonly reported sources of joy and comfort during the pandemic is connecting with family and friends, engaging in hobbies, being with pets, spending time with spouses or partners, and relying on faith.

Despite the new measures imposed on our everyday lives, there are ways for older adults to stay emotionally and physically engaged. Consider activities where social distancing can be maintained like going on walks in the neighborhood, using technology to keep in touch with friends and family, or picking up a new hobby.

To learn more about resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic to help maintain your overall health and well-being, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

As we begin the new year, caregivers can consider these four goals shared by DailyCaring for guidance on setting goals with intention to improve their well-being.

• Get help so you are not doing everything by yourself. When taking care of a loved one, reach out to family or friends for help with doing chores, running errands, etc. A little help can go a long way and you may just find yourself a little more relieved.
• Take time for yourself every day. Caring for someone who may need round-the-clock care can be time consuming, but it is important to find some time for yourself. Take micro breaks throughout the day or a quick breathing exercise for a few minutes. Everyone needs regular me time.
• Schedule regular breaks. If possible, hire in-home help or reach out to family members to help cover short shifts so you can take a well-deserved break to continue to care for your loved one.
• Stop wishful thinking. Wishing or hoping that something will change even though you have seen the same outcome time after time can drain your energy. Instead, accepting the way things are will allow you to focus your energy towards something valuable.

Caring for others is gracious work but take some time for yourself to rest and recharge.

To learn more about caregiver resources and support near you, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

A change that millions of Americans have been looking forward to this year comes from an announcement made in 2020 by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in regards to the annual cost-of-living adjustment increasing by 1.3 percent. SSA is an independent agency of the federal government, administering both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

According to AARP, this means that for the average retired worker, the monthly Social Security benefit has increased by $20 compared to what was received in 2020 which makes the new monthly average total to $1,543. The average disabled worker will see a monthly increase by $16, making the monthly average $1,277. An individual retiring at full retirement age will receive an increase by a maximum of $137 compared to 2020.

SSI recipients will see a 1.3 percent increase in their monthly benefits, which is an increase of about $11, making the average total to $794 per month. SSI is funded through the general tax revenue and is used to help individuals who receive little to no income meet their basic living needs.

There is also an increase to the payroll tax earnings cap. All earned income up to $142,800 in 2021 will be taxable, which is an increase of $5,100 from 2020. Any earnings over that amount will be exempt from payroll taxes.

To learn more about the changes on Social Security, visit usa.gov/about-social-security. To find a social security office near you, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

American Heart Month was organized by charities committed to bringing awareness to heart disease and is naturally celebrated in February.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention narrows down the top risk factors to be:

• High cholesterol – excess cholesterol can build up in the walls of arteries
• High blood pressure – damages the lining of the arteries
• Diabetes – high blood sugar from diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart
• Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure – makes blood sticky and more likely to clot
• Obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity – the more you weigh, the harder your heart must work

According to the American Heart Association, different heart-healthy tips are recommended for each age group. For individuals aged 60 or older, it is recommended to get an ankle-brachial index test as part of your physical exam with your doctor, manage your weight as your body needs fewer calories as you get older, and learn the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke as symptoms in women can be different than men.

The goal of dedicating the month of February as American Heart Month is to motivate Americans to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles. Adopting these habits may prevent heart disease in the future giving Americans longer, fuller lives.

To learn about community resources, contact a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.