Isolation Plagues Framingham Seniors During Pandemic: COA

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A Framingham Council on Aging (COA) survey of residents over age 55 has found that older people are grappling with isolation amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has had a deadlier impact on older Americans.

The COA formed a special subcommittee in May to research how the pandemic is affecting Framingham seniors, and held two virtual hearings recently to hear concerns. Seniors taking social distancing precautions are left feeling isolated from relatives and the community, the survey found.

The subcommittee wants Framingham city leaders to help by making information easier for seniors to access, and by providing access to technology. The subcommittee also wants officials to help seniors get access to testing where they live so they can potentially leave isolation.

"If residents, employees, and visitors have access to rapid testing on site, the risk of exposure would be minimized and seniors would not have to be as isolated," subcommittee Chair Audrey Hall said in a news release. "We will be reaching out to our legislative delegation for a more in-depth discussion about onsite, rapid testing for seniors."

On the technology side, the COA is using CARES Act funding and a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation to set up a Zoom training course at the Callahan Senior Center. The COA wants the city to pursue grants to buy Wi-Fi hotspots for seniors.

COA member Glenda Thomas compared the situation to how the school district moved to provide access to technology to students.

"It’s a priority to make sure students are connected for education," Thomas said. "That same priority should apply to seniors who have been subjected to prolonged isolation which puts them at greater risk of depression, anxiety and overall decline."

Seniors also need access to traditional services like arts and entertainment and exercise while the pandemic goes on, the subcommittee members say.

"I’m proud of the active role the Council on Aging Board is taking to advocate for all senior residents in Framingham," Framingham Director of Elder Affairs Grace O’Donnell said. "Easy access to information and technology to improve connections to family, friends and various resources is an essential need and possible to achieve."