For three months, older Australians across the country have been confined to their home.
The physiological health benefits for the general community have been positive.
"But for many older people, isolation has been a shock because, more than any other group, older people have discovered they are truly isolated," reports agedcare101.
"Technology and Zoom video catch up with friends and family sounds great if you have an iPad and good Internet connections. But if this is not you, and you live alone, you have been – well – alone.
"And if your family live in another suburb, town or state, they too have been isolated and not able to stay in touch or support you if you need it. Even the reliable GP has not been available face-to-face.
"This makes sense. What it tells us is that in this new world we can’t assume that everything will be OK, forever. We need to plan ahead to make sure that we set ourselves up for the surprises that life keeps serving."
Have you felt more alone in isolation or have you thrived?
One year ago, my wife went into aged care. As we were self funded retirees, we had to pay a hefty amount as a RAD (returnable accommodation deposit). After having done that, there was not enough left for myself to go into the same facility as I would have to sell assets which returned money to pay for the daily accommodation fee. A very vicious circle.
Now with the Covid 19 my visiting hours to the aged care facility are very strictly controlled and after all these months my feeling of loneliness is unbearable. If the grim reaper comes knocking on the door I will gladly join him.