HANDOUT

SOCIAL

ISOLATION AND

LONELINESS

AMIDST COVID-19

Kathleen Melei, OTDS

 “There’s a paradox. . .Social

isolation protects us from

a contagious, life threatening

virus, but at the same time

it puts people at risk

for things that are the biggest

killers in the United States:

suicide, overdoes, and

diseases related to alcohol

abuse.”

-Jeffery Reynolds
 DEFINITIONS

Occupation
An "objective state of having few

social relationships or infrequent

social contact with others"

(Wu, 2020).

Medical Isolation
"The separation and restriction of

movement of people who have been

potentially exposed to a contagious

disease. . .reducing the risk of them

infecting others"

(Brooks et al., 2020 cited by Baker & Clark, 2020)

Occupation
"Things people do in their day-to-day

lives that occupy time, ensure survival,

maintain well-being, nurture others,

contribute to society, and pass on

cultural meaning through which people

develop skills, knowledge, and

capacity for doing and fulfilling their

potential."

(Crepeau et al., 2009, p.1162 cited in Stephenson, 2011)

 IMPACT OF

COVID-19

The pandemic has shown increases in

social isolation and loneliness:

both of which are related to

decreased quality of life.

There was a 75% decrease in the

number of interactions people had on a

weekly basis.

There was a 67% decrease in the

number of exercise activities people

participated in on a weekly basis.

There was a 100% decrease in

the number of community

activities people participated i

on a weekly basis.

There was a 19.1% increase in the

number of people who did not feel they

had adequate social support during

COVID-19 which was directly related to

a more negative quality of life.

 Quality of Life

during

COVID-19

Quality of Life: Barriers

self-isolating to prevent the

spread of COVID-19

living alone

feeling you have inadequate

social support

feeling unsatisfied with

healthcare services

Quality of Life: Supports

Higher amounts of interaction

with others

More participation in community

activities (volunteering, church

groups, hobbies)

More exercise activities

Feeling supported by others

 Impact of social

isolation and

loneliness

Mental Health

Shelter-in-place and self-

isolate to prevent viral

infection

Less interaction
Less access
with family and
to community
friends

Decreased Increased

opportunities for depression and

reflection and anxiety

giving back

Limited sense Disrupted daily

of purpose routines

Decreased
Engagement in
Occupation
 Impact of social

isolation and

loneliness

Physical Health

since the pandemic, adults

Decreased
have decreased their
Physical Activity number of daily steps

between 7-38%

Decreased

pulmonary
Increased
reserves
disability and

chronic

conditions Increased blood

pressure

Increased

falls

Decreased

Increased immunity

hospitalizations

and longer

length of stays

Decreased
Quality of Life
 Advantages of

Age

during

COVID-19

Despite these risks....

Older adults are more likely to value

experiences that are emotionally

rewarding and meaningful.

Less affected

by things they
More likely to find the
can't control
positive gains from

uncertain times.

Value new skills

Comfort with
that provide
compensating
emotional
for loss
rewards

Increased use of
Willing to revisit
zoom and/or
old hobbies
other methods of

communication

Sustained
Engagement in
Occupation
 What

can we do?

Social isolation does not

keep us healthy, but social

connection does!

Find ways to maintain

social connection despite

medical isolation

Revisit old hobbies

Try mindfulness, guided

imagery, and meditation

Start a written or video Journal

Cook nutritious meals

Start a new daily routine

Add a new space for

socializing inside or outside

Take care of your neighbors

Facetime and Zoom

COVID Coach App

Call4Calm

Behavioral Health

Tip of the Day

Stay Active

Give back to your community

Become a volunteer

Become a mentor
 What

can we do?

Fun Family Activities

Sort through old keepsakes

Craft for a cause: knitting

hats for newborns, writing

advice, sewing blankets for

humane society

Learn about your family history

Redecorate a room

Bake

Record an Interview

Try Something New!

Open Culture: Online

Classes

Virtual Tours at Museums

StoriiTime: help children

learn to read

Use "Google Earth" to

visit some of your favorite

places
 What

can we do?

Sense of

Occupational Purpose

Identity
Sense of

Community

Emotion Regulation

Communication

Occupational
Self-efficacy Competence

Self-reflection

Occupational
Adaptation
Maintaining routine

Preserving values

Pursuing meaningful experiences

Expanding roles
 Community

Resources

Will County Health Department Behavioral

Health Division

Community Health Center of Will County

Area Agency on Aging Northeastern, IL

Franciscan Communities Inc- Marian

Village

Guardian Angel Community Services

Heritage Woods of Plainfield

Lakewood Nursing Center

Amita Home Care

PT Solutions, Physical Therapy

Senior Services Center of Will County

Silver Cross Healthy Community

Commission

Will Grundy Center for Independent Living

National

Resources
 References

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https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3508

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substance abuse and mental

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https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-

resources/articles/social-distancing-activities
 Spread
a little
LOVE
This handout was created by

Kathleen Melei, an occupational therapy

student at Huntington University, for her

doctoral capstone project completed in

partnership with Parkview Health and the

Will County Health Department.

For more information contact Kathleen at:

815-416-8226

meleik@huntington.edu