Abstract
California has had state-wide mandates of social distancing and stay-at-home orders, which have impacted the older adult population. Older adults are at a higher risk because interpersonal support becomes a key component of daily living as we age. The pandemic has hindered the ability of many to interact and participate in regular activities. Responses to a survey question about loneliness and isolation among Renaissance Society members in Northern California were collected. The responses were reviewed for common words and phrases that emphasized certain feelings and attitudes regarding isolation. With this collected information, we were better able to understand the general feelings and needs of the respondents faced with mandated stay-in-place orders during COVID-19 and how they were managing life while maintaining the safety protocols of isolation. We also learned that in-person interactions were needed to keep attitudes positive. Checking in and maintaining contact with the older community members are essential to health and well-being among older adults.