By ROSS BOELLING
For Kansas Reflector
“Forced isolation” is not a pretty phrase, but for Kansas senior citizens, that has been our new reality since COVID-19 struck.
Whether it is the loss of social interaction with friends and family at graduations, holidays, the lake, the restaurant or ballgames, or the loss of worship, or the loss of meetings to attend, or the loss of daily socialization and friendship meals (and air conditioning) at the local senior center, or the inability to see family in the hospital, COVID-19 has significantly impacted Kansas seniors’ lives.
Plus, just the fear of catching it limits our activities and interactions.
I have been closely tracking Kansas Department of Health and Environment COVID-19 data since mid-May. During that time, I have watched Kansas seniors’ COVID-19 numbers grow each time KDHE updates their tracking information.
Early in the pandemic there was mention in the media of how it would adversely affect older folks. From my analysis, I can tell you that in Kansas, this is a fact. In Kansas, 78% of the people who have died and 43% of the people who have had to be hospitalized are age 65 or older. However, this group only represents about 11% of the state’s total number of COVID-19 cases.
Kansas seniors who catch COVID-19 are more likely than the rest of Kansans to go to the hospital or die.
As of August 21, KDHE reports that 3,979 Kansas seniors with COVID-19 have been identified, 925 have been hospitalized and 327 have died. These are not just numbers. Each represents a Kansas senior life adversely affected by COVID-19.
COVID-19 protections put in place by institutions have increased the isolation and loneliness of those inside. Those living in long-term care settings are now unable to see or touch family members.
I cannot help but think of the 925 people hospitalized. All they see are the eyes and masks of the doctors and nurses caring for them, as most hospital COVID policies prevent family visits, so they suffer alone. Experts tell us that complications from COVID-19 can extend these hospital stays too. The 327 who have died most probably died without any family or faith contact, a horribly isolated way to end one’s life.
The frustrating thing for me, as I have watched this pandemic unfold, is its politicization. As Kansans, we obviously have not learned anything from almost tripling the number of new cases during July.
During August, Kansans seniors’ cases have increased by 207, hospitalizations by 62 and deaths by 27 than over the same period in July. For the August 21 KDHE reporting cycle, Kansas seniors added 141 new COVID-19 cases. This is the second highest reporting period increase since 161 new cases were reported on July 20.
Kansas now has 419 reported fatalities from COVID-19, more than the state’s estimated count of traffic fatalities in 2019, which was 411.
COVID-19 is not going away. We have an obligation to our families and neighbors to take appropriate action, even if it is a bit uncomfortable.
Medical professionals tell us that masks, handwashing and social distancing are effective in slowing or preventing transmission of COVID-19. That is actually a pretty simple solution to stopping this thing, isn’t it?
Cases in every Kansas age group are increasing. As schools and colleges start up, I worry about Kansas seniors. If we fail in our COVID-19 protection plans in schools, many more will become sick. Since many grandparents care for school-aged grandchildren before school, after school, or both, there is a real possibility we will see increasing cases among Kansas seniors.
Because it is clear that seniors get sicker with COVID-19, if this happens we will see more hospitalizations and deaths.
If you are a Kansas senior and do not think the risk is real, please reconsider.
The data clearly indicates that if you get COVID-19, you have a one-in-four chance of going to the hospital; if you go to the hospital, you have an almost 40% chance of dying. This is for each Kansan over age 65.
During August, Kansas senior hospitalizations and deaths are increasing faster than previously. It is time to take COVID-19 seriously.
For all Kansans, I ask that when you are out and about, consider Kansas seniors and wear a mask when necessary, wash your hands and practice social distancing.
Kansas Seniors truly depend on your compassion, responsibility and compliance. Please take a second to write, call or safely visit your parents or grandparents — they need to hear from you now more than ever. Forced Isolation is not fun.
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The Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Ross Boelling represents Dickinson County in the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature.
Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. For information, including how to submit your own commentary, click here.