Among Older Adults, COVID-19 Has Highlighted Vulnerabilities -- but Also Some Opportunities

Washington University's Nancy Morrow-Howell said although the pandemic has brought longstanding challenges for older adults into sharp relief, it also has highlighted opportunities, reports St. Louis Public Radio . "It seems our efforts to improve policies and programs for longer, healthier lives might be more productive as we communicate to consumers, public officials, and everyday citizens who may be more aware of what isn't working, what is at stake and what might be improved," she suggested. Morrow-Howell expects potential disadvantages for older adults in the post-coronavirus employment environment, with people over 55 comprising about 25 percent of the workforce. In addition to ageism, she noted that "people have also lost income and retirement savings, so there's going to be a need for us to work longer." She also acknowledged the frustration older adults feel in isolation, but envisions potential benefits like a growing sense of solidarity for older Americans among younger generations, and learning new technologies. The crisis also offers an opportunity for older adults to reflect on how to more purposefully spend time going forward. "In a way, we're all practicing for retirement right now if we don't know what to do with our time and how to have really good self-care habit," said Morrow-Howell. "So I think that's really being called to the spotlight so we can learn some things about how to live when we have more time on our hands to do the things we should be doing."