Twice a week we zoom with our cousin and his wife, both about seventy years of age. Both fit and healthy. Both used to go out a lot, holidays, shopping, theatre, visiting family, driving about and much else, they have plenty of money and were more sociable and went out more than many people half their age. Yet now when we zoom with them all they talk about is their vegetable patch, which meals they have had and what they watched on television. Apart from nipping to the butchers across the road they stay in and have no interest in going out. They have a neighbour get their shopping. They have everything else delivered. They go on Amazon a lot. They sound very happy and content, but their world has become so very small.
Is it wise to get used to isolation? - Positive Wellbein...
Positive Wellbeing During Self-Isolation
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Is it wise to get used to isolation?
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wiserlady
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Sounds okay to me 🤔
I’m hoping that we can all make sure that our youngsters are kept safe and secure during the Covid19 crisis. They are more resilient than we give them credit for, and bounce back to the run 🏃♀️ of the mill
Maybe they've discovered a slower pace of life ,of the fact that theres much pleasure to be had at home and that this new way suits them? Especially if they seem happy and contented. Or is it simply a lack of confidence due to the virus?I am in my 60s and used to be much the same regarding going out. I particularly loved shopping but Ive realised that I don't need all the stuff I used to buy! I do miss some things but Ive become rather resigned to the fact that there are still many things I can't do at the moment and on the whole I'm content at home-although I do get a bit bored sometimes.I have ventured out a few times for coffee and a bit of shopping. I do miss my friends though.Maybe as time goes on they will begin to go out and about more. Would you be able to meet up with them? That might encourage them.
It is a case of personal choice. If they are happy living their lives in the new style they have adopted then I don’t see a problem. The older you are the less chance you have of surviving this illness, so it sounds like they have chosen to live a more sheltered life in order to ensure longevity.
No doubt, once they have had the vaccine, whenever that may be, they will go back to their pre Covid world.
I am 76, and I’ve got used to staying at home over the past four months, I needed fo go to the optitions on Tuesday, in the town centre..... i found my face shield uncomfortable wearing it for awhile, changed to a face mask, and my spectacles kept misting up, I was glad to get back indoors!
I was amazed that about 85% of people were NOT wearing face coverings..... I would call that inconsiderate to other people! 🤨😕
in reply to Veteran250
Hi Don
I found that with my glasses and mask. Then one of the receptionists at our drs said she puts her glasses over her mask which works a treat, I tried it and Bob's your Uncle , it worked 😊
in reply to Veteran250
My glasses mist up too! My dentist says you get used to it! I'm not sure I will. It's bad enough not being able to breathe comfortably in a mask, but to have to struggle to see is not good at all! (Better than the alternative, but still, not good.)
Veteran250 in reply to
I’m happy staying at home..... no mask needed! 😀
You don't live on your own Don.
No, but I spend hours sat in my chair alone, while my wife is busy with housework
Well at least someone else is there. If I didn't go out I might not see anyone for daysl
I think you need a feather duster and some marigolds
Perhaps I should tell you I am disabled but my brain is still working..... I would dearly love to be doing all the things that I cant, especially being able to walk..... sadly feather duster and marigolds wouldn’t help!
But I bet you have a wicked sense of humour.
I have PMd you Whippetygirl?
Hi
It sounds like they are happy with the situation at the moment but if you notice that they are a bit down, you could maybe ask them if they wanted to out for coffee or just a walk around a garden centre. Good this helps. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx ❤️🤗🌈💜
wiserlady in reply to
They are very happy and very smart - both top scientists, if they needed more they would soon work out what and what to do about it. They have five cars. And I live five hours from them. So no point in suggesting we meet up. We zoom.
There are some exemptions ie those with respiratory disease.
I think that is where a lot of people are these days. My wife and I included. We hear about folks running around, traveling about and such but we have no interest for the moment.
It doesn’t sound like fun to get the virus so we stay away from everyone. However, we do see friends at a distance. That is helpful.
I am a firm believer in getting out with a face mask or a snood and having a good walk through the local woods and by the river Clun and the river Ely, along old railway tracks, through the odd village. It is interesting to see life returning. A lot of cafes have suddenly acquired outside shelters, and seem to be doing much better.
The charity shops are opening and seem to be full of new stuff. I have emerged from a hazy set of vision problems since I had finally had a proper haircut and now look respectable again. A bit strange being the only one in there - no banter and character assassination
Locally everyone is saying 'Hello' or 'thank you' or 'Good morning' as the distance themselves. Not the weekenders though, and if you try social distancing by the seaside they all look at you as if you are bit strange.
With a bit of luck the furlough people will go back to work soon and the kamikazi cyclists will get back to fighting the cars. With a bit of luck they all might buy bells and go on a course to learn how to use them.
Vital services are re-opening i.e. The public loos are covered in posters but they are open, which extends my range dramatically. I have a set of walks which all have a cafe half way round and I am looking forward to them reopening.
Thats it. I am off into the green stuff. Have a good day.
if they are happy I think that is the important bit many have found the lockdown has been good for them as it showed them a slower pace of life if they are content which they sound like they are let them be is what I would say 
Hi wiserlady, your cousins are in their seventies, and they are happy and content-that's marvelous.
I don't see that their world has become smaller. Maybe it has just become more private, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Your cousins are making their own decisions. At their age they are more vulnerable then younger folk; so in my view they are right in continuing to shield, and keep happy in each other's company.
At the end of the day, we are the ones responsible for ourselves, not the government.
The fact that the government says 'Ease off shielding' means nothing!
Have the government had a word with the Virus?
pigeon
No it really is a much smaller world. They used to go on loads of holidays and visit family a lot, eat out most evenings etc, and they loved it when they lived that lifestyle - they are not continuing to shield, they have got used to staying in, they have no fears of getting the virus
I see, I didn't realize they are not shielding. In that case, as you say, they just got used to staying put and it seems they like their more limited lifestyle. You are right, they seem to have changed their outlook and expectations, but if they are content, that is what counts.
yes. i know them very well. im the one who is on the very vulnerable list not them and ive been going to the shops recently
I couldnt go and get my own shopping due to being on the vulnerable list, so ordered it online rather than expecting someone else to give up hours of their time and risk getting an illness
As someone who was very social i have resigned to the fact that this is now my life to live in isolation. I try not to think about it to much and i suppose i am getting used to it.
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