Happy New Year, Friends!

Like you, I’m wishing for a swift end to the COVID pandemic now that vaccines are available.  I’ve just listened to a panel discussion featuring the CEOs of Moderna and Pfizer.  Both believe that if vaccine distribution goes well, we should see about 70% of Americans vaccinated by the end of summer. Wouldn’t that be something! The idea of returning to “normal” makes me smile.

Of course, I reflect on what “normal” means in a world in which our lives have been changed by this pandemic. I won’t speak for anyone else, but the there are some changes that will be part of my new normal. Technology has enabled me to try things I would not have considered before, like shopping for groceries and having them delivered when the COVID outbreak was particularly severe in my community. (I tell myself it’s good training for that time in the distant future when I may not be able to drive and shop for groceries!) And video conferences have enabled our extended family to come together and meet virtually, something that would simply be too difficult given the challenge of having family in different parts of the US and the world.

Those changes are not unique to me. A newly retired professor of fine art had started teaching drawing to seniors before COVID. When in-person meetings became impossible, she moved the class online and now reaches even more 65+ art students. I’m an amateur quilter, and the online classes on YouTube have opened up new forms of creativity. And the best part is when I don’t understand something, I can go back (often!) and listen to the instruction (again and again), something that would be tough to do with in-person classes.

I’ve even become a volunteer for Eldera, an online mentoring program that connects seniors with students around the world to connect, learn, have fun, and share wisdom.  At a time when social isolation can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and fear, it’s terrific to connect with someone who earnestly desires your company. My six-year old student practices her English by reading books to me and having a conversation. I hope she’s getting something out of our sessions, because I sure am! Her enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s fun to see the world through her eyes. A co-founder of Eldera is our featured speaker at next week’s webinar, so if you’re interested, please join us.

Finally, I want to note technologies whose adoption has accelerated since the pandemic. Telemedicine and remote monitoring are two such examples.  Doctors, physician’s assistants and therapists are able to connect with patients through their smart phones, tablets or laptops. We can ‘visit’ a clinic for a health issue or participate in virtual group support meetings.

Some friends are checking in on their elderly parents using a monitoring system that affords parents’ privacy but enables quick action should a problem arise. I heard of a watch from 100Plus that will alert emergency personnel should a person experience a fall or a sudden heart condition. If necessity is the mother of invention, we’re seeing the result — a virtual explosion of remote monitoring devices and tele health options.

I’m sure we’ll welcome a break from our screens when COVID releases us. I also believe that the return to “normal” will mean the technology that we’ve adopted will be incorporated into that new normal.

From all of us at Amazing Care Network, we wish you and yours a safe and happy return to your new normal!