One of the many challenges presented by COVID-19 is maintaining positive emotional wellbeing. For older adults, social distancing can increase feelings of loneliness and a sense of disconnection. Communities across the nation are beginning to reopen, but it is recommended that older adults continue to take extra precautions and stay home as much as possible.
While social distancing is extremely important in reducing exposure and mitigating the spread of the virus, we don’t want individuals to become socially disconnected where isolation and loneliness can be a detrimental result. Individuals of all ages are experiencing a sense of loss: loss of physical connection with family and friends, loss of the schedule and routine we once enjoyed, loss of independence in coming and going as we please without the fear of becoming infected, loss of visiting loved ones in congregate residences and especially in nursing homes, and for some – loss of work, loss of life and the public, communal rituals that lend support to those who are grieving.
How do we maintain positive emotional well being under such extraordinary circumstances and adjust to a “new normal?”
Join Dr. Dale Atkins on Zoom as she explores innovative ways to connect to oneself and others, and offers strategies to strengthen our minds, bodies and spirits during challenging times. Suggestions for friends, families and caregivers will be offered to make certain that “no adult is
left behind.
To join this Zoom talk, go to www.greenwichct.gov/wellbeing
Questions? Call the Greenwich Commission on Aging (203) 862-6710.
Dr. Dale Atkins, is a licensed psychologist and relationship expert. Her most recent book, The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children, (www.thekindnessadvantagebook.com) which she wrote with Amanda Salzhauer, was named one of the top ten books for 2019 by Greater Good Magazine (Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley) and one of the top ten books to teach kindness by Huffington Post. She has written six other books, textbook chapters, and articles in popular and professional journals.
For over 45 years she has focused on women’s health, healthy aging, work and family concerns, adaptation to childhood or adult disability, caregiving, raising kind children, and handling life transitions and stress while maintaining a harmonious and meaningful life. Dr. Atkins is a recurring guest expert in the media commenting about social / relationship issues.
For the past 17 years she has frequently served in this capacity on NBC’s The Today Show. She created and hosts “Dr. Dale’s Life Issues” shown on PBS. In addition to giving motivational and keynote speeches at international business, health, educational, and social service conferences, Dr. Atkins consults internationally with, and conducts seminars and retreats for management and employees of corporations, hospitals, educational and financial institutions in matters related to wellness, kindness, resilience, and balance amidst life’s chaos.
Her book, Sanity Savers: Tips for Women to Live a Balanced Life is based on her popular on-line monthly newsletter, Sanity Savers and More. In both I’m OK, You’re My Parents (How to Overcome Guilt, Let Go of Anger, and Create a Relationship That Works) and SISTERS: A Practical, Helpful Exploration of the Intimate and Complex Bond between Female Siblings, she helps adult children and siblings create or restore loving connections.
Dr. Atkins co-authored Wedding Sanity Savers based on her WeddingChannel.com (now, THE KNOT) advice column; From the Heart: Men and Women Write their Private Thoughts about their Married Lives, and “NO! GO! TELL!” a training program to prevent and treat sexual abuse of young children.
An active volunteer in her community, she and her dog are a certified dog therapy team. She serves on the Boards and trains staff of several non-profit local and national organizations and educational institutions whose foci are literacy, tolerance, healthy aging, multigenerational family communication, wellness, women’s health, child protection, and community action. Dr. Atkins is particularly proud of her 25 year association with Jumpstart for Young Children, and
has been the National Spokesperson for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record initiative, launched on NBC’s The Today Show to raise awareness of the importance of preschool literacy.
Dr. Atkins has a private psychology practice in New York City. Interested persons are invited to visit her website at www.drdaleatkins.com.