Physical isolation and social distancing have become the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthening psychological coping is as important as staying physically well.

In this Q&A, University of Louisville Trager Institute and Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic Director of Wellness, Joseph G. D’Ambrosio, PhD, JD, LMFT, CSW, shares his thoughts on the human need for connectivity, and ways to improve mental health during this unprecedented time in our history. D’Ambrosio also is an assistant professor in the UofL School Medicine.

Strong support systems are essential to ensuring health and wellbeing for individuals as they age. Caregivers are one part of these strong support systems.  However, all too often, caregiver needs are not addressed as part of a holistic approach to improving the lives of older adults.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the estimated 44 million caregivers throughout the United States. At the Institute for Sustainable Health & Optimal Aging, we would like to honor all of the caregivers that are providing care to persons with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Caregiving can be a stressful experience for both the caregiver and the care receiver. Understanding how to incorporate compassion into the caregiving experience can help alleviate some of this burden.