Talking with Your Older Parents About COVID-19

If there’s an older adult you know who’s isolated due to stay-at-home orders, here are a few tips for how you can be supportive:

1. Check in on them regularly. Call and video chat just to say “I’m thinking of you” (and teach them how to video chat if they’re not familiar with it).
2. Encourage them to do activities that they find enjoyable and that may be helpful, such as taking walks, stretching, listening to music, doing puzzles, reading.
3. Offer to run an errand for them or bring them a meal. 
4. Send them a list of virtual events they might enjoy: live concerts, readings, museum tours.
5. Tap into their experience and ask them for advice about getting through difficult times. 
6. Most importantly, let them know you care about them and are there for them. Express gratitude to them for being a part of your life.
   

Source: https://afsp.org/covid-19-we-must-care-for-older-adults-mental-health