( NewsUSA) – On a typical day, the average person doesn’t think about how it feels to go days with little human connection or interaction.With most of our communities practicing social distancing to stunt the spread of COVID-19, we are gaining a new level of empathy for what many older adults face every day. According to the 2018 National Poll on Healthy Aging, 27 percent of older adults reports feeling isolated and more than one in four says they experienced social contact once a week, if not less."The uneasiness, loneliness and helplessness that many of us are feeling now will eventually pass," says Jeff Huber, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care."For socially isolated seniors, however, this pandemic has the potential to amplify the impact on their already-fragile situations. While the world stays home to prevent illness, we must reach out to our neighbors and loved ones to make sure our seniors stay connected."

For many seniors who live alone, social distancing will amplify the loneliness they already feel. And isolation can have significant health implications such as higher risks of heart attack, stroke, depression, anxiety and even premature death. But there is a cure, and it’s called community.In a time when bringing family and friends together may not be feasible, we need a little creativity and a lot of intention to ensure regular contact with neighbors and loved ones.Whether you’re helping a relative or neighbor navigate social distancing, or looking to minimize the effects of isolation, Home Instead Senior Care recommends the following ideas to stay connected:

1. Set a schedule. Despite our best efforts, it can be easy to let days go by before the next call or email. Regular check-ins can go a long way toward helping older relatives, friends and neighbors feel supported. The trick is to plan ahead. Establish a regular cadence for phone calls, emails and video chats – and stick to it!

2. Chat through video. While no technology can take the place of in-person human interaction, video-chat platforms such as Skype or Zoom and tablets such as an iPad or GrandPad, can supplement seniors’ social interactions when visits with friends and family aren’t possible. Webcams are a user-friendly and affordable gift to keep the generations connected – offering grandchildren the chance to show off their latest school project, or faraway relatives an opportunity to hear and see one another.

3. Give them a ring. Texting is an easy way to keep in touch, but sometimes picking up the phone is the best way to get the job done. Call a parent, relative or neighbor, and when you do get them on the line, give them your full attention. If you’re drawing a blank for conversation topics, consider requesting their advice or asking about their family, hobbies or recent activities.

4. Embrace snail mail. Sending an old-fashioned letter or postcard is an easy way to say hello and remind someone you’re thinking of them. While a thoughtful letter may not completely stamp out loneliness, it can help lift spirits and show how much you care. If you have young children, consider enlisting them to draw pictures or practice their handwriting with a special note.

As we all continue to adjust to the impact of COVID-19, it’s easy to spread a bit of cheer and help make a senior smile. For more ideas on how to forge a meaningful relationship with older adults in your life, look for websites that have good ideas for senior care or well-respected and upright companies offering home care services for seniors. You might search things like "Senior care", "senior care solutions", "help for seniors", or similar expressions. Just please use good judgment with any services offered.

COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

REALITIES OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT AND BENEFICIAL STANDARDS

We’ve seen how GOD’s STANDARDS ARE REALISTIC, REASONABLE, RELIABLE, AND REWARDING.

We’ve also noted that: UNDER THE RULE OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT, THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN HIS WORD WILL MAKE POSSIBLE PUBLIC POLICIES THAT PROMOTE HONESTY, FAIRNESS, REASONABLENESS AND HAPPINESS.

APPLYING PRECEPTS. Putting these truths together, the way true peace will be obtained and will remain among mankind will be by both GOD’s blessing, and also by the education and application of GOD’s astounding word and it’s principles, or precepts. This will be seen, for instance, in the vast reduction and practical elimination of serious and life-threatening infractions, such as regarding home and work fire hazards and alcohol-related and other harmful auto incidents. Of course, GOD’s blessings will be flowing upon mankind, and we shall have HIS assistance to promote safety, security, and happiness among one another. Yet all this will be enhanced by means of an extensive public educational policy, blessed by GOD, that will encourage awareness of HIS beneficial laws and standards. And LOVE for GOD and for one another will be the dominant motive prevailing! Let’s take the above examples and consider how we may largely eliminate such threats to our peace.

FIRE SAFETY. Under control, fire may be included among some of our most cherished memories, perhaps a campfire with family and friends roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. But out of control, what a threat to our security and happiness! In a home, for instance, what makes the difference? Isn’t it largely by being informed about fire hazards and safety, and acting accordingly, or appropriately? Today, however, how often are you presented with loving guidance or instruction in these matters? How often is commercial air time used for an educational message regarding fire safety? Yet statistics indicate roughly a 1/2 million fire incidents per year, in a nation of over 300 million people. Shall we say that’s “just” one in 600? Or, rather, is it a 1/2 million too many?

WITH JEHOVAH GOD’s BLESSING in full force under HIS RULERSHIP, HE will assist us! And efforts can be applied under the leadership of the Christ, having access to the helpful guidance necessary to QUICKLY REDUCE and PRACTICALLY ELIMINATE fire hazards around our workplaces and homes.

ADVANCEMENTS. And, advancements have been and can be made in the use of fire-resistant building materials and modifications to existing homes. Also, smarter systems can be put in place around cooking equipment and home heating systems. Recommendations can be made, or provided, to assist in such matters. All of this will just make it easier for Jehovah GOD to fulfill His promises toward mankind, as in Revelation 21:3-4:

“3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. ”

INTERVENTIONS. As the number of fires quickly drop nationwide and eventually worldwide, GOD Himself will most certainly be behind it. Even praying to Jehovah, seeking HIS help and blessing each day can reflect our humble, appreciative attitude toward life. And while we aim to maintain a sound mind, can Jehovah not intervene to prevent a serious mistake or calamity? Under the rule of HIS Kingdom, certainly HE can, as we continually look to HIM for guidance in our lives, and may we be grateful when HE does! (Compare Psalm 19:7-8, 11-14). In such ways, Paradise blessings will be achieved and experienced by mankind, and as foretold, GOD is making this possible through the Christ, the Son of man, with his co-rulers, all upholding Jehovah GOD’s sovereignty! (Matthew 19:28).

DRIVING INCIDENTS. Along the same lines, can we not expect intervention by GOD and Christ regarding the plague of driving accidents nationwide? MUCH of this is attributed to alcohol abuse—an insidious, confusing influence that deceptively disrupts normal driving skill and ability. The people of GOD will beat this problem, under Christ’s direction, as true knowledge is applied to the issue, with GOD’s blessing! Inhibitive fear itself is to be practically eliminated in GOD’s new world.

Micah 4:4 says “4 And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making [them] tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken [it].”

NEVER ENDANGER OTHERS. May all take a close look at their practices in this regard. Jehovah GOD is “ready to forgive.” Some have caused others harm in the past by ignoring alcohol’s subtle and deceptive influence. May they turn around from such practices, realizing the danger, and lovingly and compassionately making arrangements so they never endanger others behind the wheel in such circumstances. And many have never fallen into this trap. Under the rulership of Christ, all will be educated in such things, so we can avoid threatening others in such ways! May we behave in ways that uphold GOD’s loving will and purpose for humans, eliminating fear and injustice in our practices. All will be helped to do so in GOD’s new world.

CONCLUSION

UTTER SORROW TO VANISH. These are just two examples of how the Christ will lead the way in an extensive educational campaign to bring such issues under control with GOD’s benevolent blessing. Arrangements will be made within GOD’s government, likely in cooperation with Christian institutions, to address various matters involving the life and health of humanity. Tears of sorrow will all but vanish as we address issue after issue needing attention to be in harmony with GOD’s loving ways and wondrous Word! May we thus continue to be educated in the marvelous ways of GOD by continually feeding at HIS table, considering thoughts from the Bible that INSPIRE, EDUCATE, CLEANSE, AND BENEFIT all humans accepting such provisions!