The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering seniors special online programs throughout the coming week to help cope with COVID-caused loneliness during Christmas and New Year’s. Spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News similar programs have been held throughout the year.
“We know that older adults are experiencing social isolation this season due to COVID-19,” Sutfin said. “They are very vulnerable to the virus, we’re telling them to stay home, avoid gatherings. However, we also know that isolation is not good for anyone.”
So, the department offers virtual social gatherings and also how-to sessions on things like Zoom. We did them over the Thanksgiving
“These virtual social hours and ways to connect have been very popular. We did them over the Thanksgiving holiday, and now we are also holding them for Christmas.”
Sessions this week start Thursday at noon with “Connect with Family and Friends This Holiday Season.” There will be social hours on Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday. The themes will be Christmas Traditions, Seasonal Games, and Holiday Recipe Swap. New Year’s Eve on Thursday will bring “Dancing to Music of the 1960s and 1970s.” Sutfin says more than 18,000 people have logged into these sessions throughout the year. Registration is required. Classes and social hours are offered online and via telephone. To register, visit Getsetup.io/michigan or call 888-559-1614.
