Many seniors have been isolated during the coronavirus pandemic, creating challenges for their mental and physical health.
Even if they are vaccinated, they might be continuing to avoid others for fear of breakthrough COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Ashwin Kotwal is Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Geriatrics at UCSF. He’s authored a study that found seniors who are lonely are much more likely to use medications including opioids.
So, if you know a visit with the grandkids could be hugely beneficial, how do you decide if you should do it?
"When people want to visit, you know, their grandmother or someone who we might worry about higher risks from the delta variant or COVID-19 in general, I think it's about weighing the tradeoffs here," he explained. "What are the risks and benefits?"
He told KCBS Radio’s "As Prescribed" on Thursday the benefits for mental, cognitive and even physical health are well-documented.
The risks are a different story.
"I would say if someone wants to visit their older family member who is unvaccinated, they should absolutely get vaccinated," Kotwal said. "That is the biggest thing we can do to reduce risk."
Once you've done that, you might consider meeting outdoors and wearing face masks.
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