Seasons of Change: Supporting Seniors in a Global Pandemic
In the midst of a global pandemic, we have been reminded of the resiliency, creativity, and hope present in our communities. However, this massive shift in our culture does not come without immense grief and loss. The senior population has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 due to the unique vulnerabilities they face with the virus, leading to isolation and a lack of connection and purpose.
We must create ample space to honor the pain, loneliness, and grief caused by this past year for the seniors in our community. The loss is a reality and the pandemic has taken much from this population in particular.
Even so, I trust that the legacy of this pandemic does not have to be only pain and loss. There is still room to create meaning. There is always room to find meaning.
The four seasons reflect the natural ebb and flow of our internal lives. I have found this metaphor especially relevant as we have journeyed through this past year in a global pandemic.
Autumn reflects a slowing down. Beneath the fallen leaves, seeds are scattered that bring new growth in the spring, representing the paradox of life and death. This image takes me back to the beginning of the pandemic, where slowing down was inevitable and hope for “normalcy” seemed buried underneath the leaves.
Winter often touches the darker, lonelier parts of our souls. This past winter season may have felt longer for the senior population because of the isolation, loss of connection with family and friends, and months of grieving what could have been. The gift of the winter season is the ability to see with more clarity. When we are stripped from all that we have known, we are invited to see ourselves and others with greater depth. We are invited on the journey inward, and there is certainly beauty here.
Spring is a time of renewal. The autumn seedlings begin to sprout new life and there is a rising sense of hope. With vaccines being widespread, stay at home orders being lifted, and lowering cases of COVID-19 there is an emerging hope within the senior population for greater connection with family, friends, and the community.
Summer is a time of abundance, blossoming, and vibrancy. The joy present in this season is one we hope to move toward with intention, even in the midst of a pandemic (Palmer, 2000).
To explore the impact of the pandemic further, a colleague and I are offering a Senior Support Group that will launch on May 18th, 2021. This will be a warm, empathic, and kind space for seniors to connect with one another while exploring the impact of a global pandemic from a holistic perspective (relational, mental, spiritual, and emotional health).
We would be honored for you to join in this season of renewal to explore how this past year has impacted you and how to move toward an abundant life filled with meaning and hope.
For more information and to register, visit our Senior Support Group page.
About the Author:
Cathryn Wright (she/her), Apprentice, is pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Denver Seminary. She takes a holistic and integrative approach to support clients struggling with anxiety, sexual health and identity, boundaries, relational issues, depression, identity development, and spiritual integration. In her free time, Cathryn loves spending time outside with her partner and dog, listening to indie folk music, and cooking a variety of cultural cuisines.