It is an undeniable truth that people need people. As humans, we are social creatures through and through. Research has shown that in cases where we are deprived of social interactions and connection, it can have a more damaging effect to our health than being over-weight, smoking and high blood pressure.

Some research even suggests that it may even lengthen our lives. Social connection strengthens our immune system and helps us to recover from disease faster.

Essence

Medical and non-medical experts are recommending social distancing to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. This will prove to be the most challenging of all recommendations, as its application goes against the essence of who we are as people.

We need each other and being social sustains the very relationships that keep us healthy and fulfilled.

We need to be mindful of our own social interaction and keep a watchful eye on elderly or vulnerable relatives, neighbours and friends.

Some of us may be accustomed to degrees of loneliness, but social distancing can be a major culture shock, which could lead to increased anxiety.

Here are some practical tips for addressing issues that may arise for those in self isolation during the current climate.

1) Physical isolation does not mean social isolation

It is solely physical one-to-one contact that is to be avoided. Family members may no longer be able to enter the home of loved ones. However, we can still talk through the window pane or at the recommended two metre distance outside.

We can reassure each other that everyone will be making a bigger effort to speak through all available devices such as the phone, via Skype or Facetime. It is helpful to remember that this is temporary.

2) Ensure essential supplies are available

Not visiting the supermarket or pharmacy further reduces social connectivity, but is sadly a necessary precaution. Many of us who now have more time on our hands can collect shopping or prescriptions for those who need to stay at home.

Alternatively, those with computer know-how may be able to guide others through the process of making the order online.

Local volunteer groups are also available to help those in need and your local volunteer centre can be found through this link https://www.volunteer.ie/about-us/vcs-and-viss/find-your-vcvis/.

Alone (https://alone.ie/) and Making Connections (https://makingconnections.ie/) are providing additional support to older people at this time.

Given the vulnerability of older people or those with an underlying condition, it may be a good idea to have access to several weeks supply of necessary medications. The feasibility or need for this should be discussed with the GP.

Alone, the national charity for older people, is partnering the national COVID-19 Community Response Forum.

If you need to talk or are looking for emotional support, you can call them on 0818 222 024 or your call can be directed from your local COVID-19 community response forum helpline. You can also contact Alone if you are experiencing difficulties with physical and mental health, finance, housing, loneliness and other challenges.

An Post help

An Post are really stepping up to the plate and reaching out to the community. Postmen and postwomen across the country will call to the front doors of older and vulnerable customers along their delivery route in isolated areas.

If you are an older person in an isolated area, you can request a check-in online (see www.anpost.com) or ask a friend/family member to do this for you.

The postwoman/man can also take any post you might have for free and put it into circulation for you. The postal delivery staff will apply a postage mark in the local mail centre before onward circulation.

If an elderly person has a mail item they need collecting, they can put a sign in their window that says 'I HAVE MAIL' and the postal delivery staff will collect it on their route.

An Post is working with newspapers to develop a delivery service for customers who cannot get to shops to get their daily newspaper. This initiative will be launched in the coming week and more details will be shared once available.

3) Using FaceTime or Skype

If an older person can use FaceTime, Skype or similar applications on their mobile phone, laptop or computer, it will prove to very useful in maintaining regular contact. Neighbours should call on the elderly who live nearby and make regular contact as some may have no family or close friends.

4) Collection of pensions or other benefits

Those who are worried about collecting pensions or benefits can also use the option of nominating a temporary agent who can fill out a form and collect the payment for them.

Alternatively, for those who cannot collect a payment, it will be held in the post office, as the six-week holding period has been temporarily lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bills can be paid over the phone or online, where necessary.

5) Social distancing does not mean being housebound

Those confined to home can still use their garden, balcony, polytunnel or shed. It is very important to continue pursuing hobbies and pastimes as they offer a welcome distraction to what’s going on.

It is also vital to exercise daily. Depending on where a person lives, some may still be able to go for a stroll or bring their dog for a walk, but need to know that they must keep an unnatural distance from others that they may meet.

If you are over 70 and need to cocoon, try and be as active as possible around the house or out in the garden.

Social distancing may leave many people facing a greater degree of loneliness than ever before. We all need to look out for those that are more vulnerable and offer reassurance. A day should not go by without some contact with family or friends during these challenging times.