Throughout history, the human race has been great at adapting. As the proverb goes, necessity is the mother of invention. This means that new ways to do things are invented when there is a major need to do so.
This can be applied at an individual level, with someone needing to learn how to cook once they live on their own, or a more generalized principle when considering major inventions like air conditioning, electricity, and communication devices.
With the United States hopefully on the downward side of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can reflect on what we learned and what was developed to make life easier during this period and apply to our lives moving forward.
Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four of the things we can learn and apply from the pandemic.
- Deeper Connection With Family
Families had to get creative to stay close to one another during the pandemic, especially with the dangers that COVID-19 presented to older generations. Adult children were moving back home (a study found that 52% of people between 18-29 years of age were living with their parents last summer), people reconnected with their spouses, more elders were living with younger family members, and we found new ways to keep in touch, whether it was through video-conferencing apps or neighborhood drive-by visits.
- New Technology Is Here to Stay
Prior to March 2020, few Americans probably were familiar with Zoom. Now, it’s part of the lexicon. Easier connections through video, restaurant delivery apps, and online grocery shopping all exploded. People may not have thought about live-streaming major life events like weddings, but now it will likely always be an option for relatives and friends who are unable to make your big event.
- Taking Better Care As We Age
COVID-19 targeted adults 65 and up with prejudice. And if these seniors had another condition like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or cancer, the risk for severe complications or death rose even more. Expect people to be more likely to try and maintain their health as they age moving forward in case another virus comes calling.
- Remote Working Can Benefit Anyone
Employers found that they could have just as productive employees and teams working from home as they can in the office. This can open up jobs to candidates worldwide, and it’s believed that this revelation will be good for older workers, as studies show they tend to have better organizational and interpersonal skills.
To learn more about Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://holliswood-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
