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One of the greatest concerns surrounding the current pandemic is social isolation or loneliness, especially when it comes to our kupuna. HI Now host Kanoe Gibson spoke with the wellness director from Adventist Health Castle and the director of Humana to find out about the resources are available to combat this issue.
“Before COVID, we learned that genetics explains about 25 percent of our health outcomes, and 75 percent is based on our lifestyle choices,” says Tracie Ann Tjapkes, wellness director at Adventist Health Castle. “Relative to COVID, we have learned that how we connect or don’t connect with other people has a tremendous effect on our well-being. In fact, in 2016 the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy found through his work that one of the greatest conditions we face is ‘loneliness.'”
Dr. Murthy has said in one interview that investing in strengthening social connection is essential to addressing issues such as the addiction crisis, violence and chronic disease.
“In short, we need to be aware of the threat of a ‘social recession.’ This is particularly the case for senior citizens, who in the age of COVID-19 have been socially isolated from family and friends,” Tjapkes adds.
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Tjapkes hopes that others won’t let their physical distance deepen their loneliness, which could then lead to a greater social recession where others would become further and further separated from each other — not just physically, but also emotionally.
“We each have a choice about how we use invitations to connect socially with others – even if that is through virtual means,” Tjapkes says. “For example, a friend of mine has made a commitment to get to know his neighbor better, and we can all make similar efforts.”
The Wellness & Lifestyle Medicine Center at Adventist Health Castle offers a range of services that can be accessed through virtual means, from nutrition counseling, to diabetes management, fitness classes and more. What sets Adventist Health Castle’s approach apart in these services is that it focuses not only on connecting people to these resources, but also provides a space for seniors, and anyone, to connect socially.
Speaking of important resources for seniors, Medicare access is another challenge. The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period (AEP) runs from October 15 – December 7. Due to COVID-19, this year’s AEP will offer fewer face-to-face agent interactions. However, beneficiaries can expect simple and secure education and enrollment both online and over the phone with Humana.
Humana conducted a market assessment to consider how consumers will enroll and shop as a result of COVID-19. From that assessment and to meet consumers where they feel comfortable, Humana has expanded its capabilities to meet them virtually, by phone or through their digital devices. Humana is offering online workshops to review 2021 Medicare Advantage plan options and those eligible can set up a virtual one-on-one meeting with an agent.
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Beneficiaries can also go to Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov to compare plans, benefits and costs.
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