Protecting the health of our seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors have been identified as one of the groups most vulnerable to the virus. In response, special care has been taken to protect them from potential infection. Society-wide measures, including widespread physical distancing and instituting “seniors’ hours” in grocery stores, have been designed, in large part, to protect our elders. In long term care facilities, a number of which have experienced outbreaks, policies have been implemented limiting contact between residents and staff as well as restricting outside visitors. Still, there are many who question whether we are doing enough to protect our seniors. Others speculate about what effects this isolation and disruption of routines is having on the overall physical and mental health of our seniors. Hear from UBC experts as they address these issues and answer viewer questions. Moderated by Kathryn Gretsinger, MJ'06, Senior Instructor, UBC Graduate School of Journalism; Senior Faculty Advisor to UBC President.
UBC Experts
Dr. Joanie Sims-Gould, PhD'06 – Associate Professor, Department of Family Practice, UBC Faculty of Medicine; Principal Scientist, Active Aging Research Team
Dr. Roger Wong – Executive Associate Dean of Education and Clinical Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Chris Wyatt, BSc'81, DMD'86 – Professor and Head, Department of Oral Health Sciences; Director, UBC Geriatric Dentistry Program
Recorded April 30, 2020.
Links to helpful information referenced in webinar
- Top 5 Tips to Support Our Seniors
- Choose to Move: A collection of trusted resources to help keep you active and connected at home, curated by the Active Aging Research Team
- UBC Geriatric Dentistry Program
- Dr. Roger Wong’s OpEd in Globe and Mail, Removing seniors from care homes is not the solution to COVID-19 fears
- UBC Faculty of Medicine’s digital magazine, Pathways. Connecting with Compassion and Care (Supporting Seniors with Compassion and Care: Amidst the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, keeping ourselves and our families safe and healthy is top of mind. This is particularly relevant when it comes to older adults in our communities. In this special issue of Pathways, the UBC Faculty of Medicine's magazine, UBC experts share suggestions and best practices to connect and care for our seniors.)
- bc211: Safe Seniors, Strong Communities
- BC Centre for Disease Control – Food Safety
Other helpful information
- Richmond Public Library 1-on-1 technology assistance over the phone, please call 778-837-6896
- BC Dental Association
Supported by:
Please support the UBC President’s Pandemic Recovery Initiative
The effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic have been immediate and far-reaching—but together we can support each other and quickly adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. As a world-leading research university with a deep commitment to our students, we find ourselves in a position of strength to meet the challenges brought on by the pandemic. UBC is responding to the situation by creating the UBC President’s Pandemic Recovery Initiative, which encompasses funds to provide emergency relief for students and accelerate advanced research. Please join others in the UBC community as we face this immense challenge head on by contributing to one of the two opportunities if you can. With your help, we can get through this—together.