One of my main projects right now is building a wellness portfolio regarding an issue effecting people today: anxiety. I chose the issue of anxiety because I feel this is a relatable topic for people of all ages, and with the uncertain circumstances affecting our country, understanding this issue can help a person balance their wellness.
The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes such as increase blood pressure, sweating and trembling. Though this definition is more related to the actual disorder, most people still experience occasional anxiety due to life events.
Staff has seen some senior participants showing anxious mannerisms because of the COVID-19 guidelines for adults 65 years and older. These guidelines are recommending people over 65 years to stay at home as much as they can. This guideline is difficult to get used to because the Senior Centers are built to have social interactions versus older adults staying at home. We enjoy encountering new seniors at the centers and seeing the regular participants, but the only method through which staff has been able to see the seniors who regularly utilize the centers is the drive-thru nutrition meal pick-up service.
Every day we are asked when the centers will be open again. Our answers are tentative responses because we need to stay within the recommended guidelines from the state governor’s office.
So, we can only hope that by the time this article is published, the San Angelo Senior Centers are opened and operating to a new normal. Some of these measures could be checking temperatures upon entering the centers, wearing a cloth face mask when at the centers, avoiding hand contact or hugging one another, plus washing your hands often and utilizing hand sanitizer. And the most important measure that should be followed is if you are feeling mild symptoms related to COVID-19 such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, or have been in close contact with a person who has the virus, call your healthcare provider. As much as you are ready to come back to the Senior Centers, that will not matter if you are not doing your best to stay healthy and making your wellness a priority. All the staff is very anxious to have you all at the centers again and enjoying activities and the company of one another.
Sandra Aguilar is the Senior Center Recreation Supervisor for the City of San Angelo. Contact her at 325-481-2798 or sandra.aguilar@cosatx.us.
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June 21, 2020 at 06:10PM
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