As the holiday season approaches, a new poll finds older adults feeling more stressed by the pandemic. While the National Poll on Healthy Aging shows many people are feeling joyful and resilient, about half of respondents also reported feeling stressed, especially if their health is poor. University of Michigan Chief Health Officer Preeti Malani told Michigan News Network these feelings are normal during the holidays, but it’s also important to prioritize your physical and mental health.
“My advice is the same as it’s been throughout the pandemic, which is to find ways to safely get together,” Malani said. “That begins and ends with vaccinations, but it also means making sure that people who have symptoms stay home, and you can add additional layers of safety through testing and masks. But it is important to find ways to move forward, especially now two years into the pandemic.”
Dr. Malani says relationships with others are sources for joy. That’s along with having hobbies, having pets, and spending some time alone.
