ABSTRACT
Given the immense reach and scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers must emphasize and advocate for the universal importance of social connections and the dire consequences of social isolation, particularly for older adults. Despite the public health benefit of physical distancing in reducing community spread, the implemented measures have produced a perfect storm of social disruptions with tremendous implications for the health and well-being of older adults. The consequences of physical distancing will affect older adults across all environments from independent community living to those living in long-term care facilities. Independent older adults may experience disruptions in their daily active routines that require major adjustments. Community-dwelling older adults who need some assistance may experience a loss of instrumental social support including direct physical assistance with food procurement, access to medications, assistance with daily household tasks, and assistance with access to informal and formal health care services.
