This list of links has been very thoughtfully put together by Dan Scott. They’re US-based and although advice and progress may be different in other countries, the general principles still apply. If any links seem a tad dated, that’s my fault – Dan’s email vanished down a digital rabbit hole for several weeks and only recently emerged.

Meanwhile, some of us are beginning to open up while others are having to close down due to the influx of variants. Science is on its toes here, playing a fast game keeping up with genome analysis to check if the vaccines we have can still defeat these new versions of the virus. New vaccines are in development, and existing ones may be tweaked to accommodate potential ‘escapees’ – variants that could evade the original ones. In the UK, we’ve vaccinated the population according to risk of serious illness so that people have been called in age bands or vulnerability diagnosis. As of this week (May 24th) people in their early 30s are eligible.

But one message is very clear – no one’s safe till we’re all safe. As long as this virus is circulating, the chance of new variants remains and at least one of these may evade all our current protections, so it’s essential we support all efforts to get vaccines to populations that can’t afford them. This is altruism with a huge dash of self interest so it should be possible.

Meanwhile we need to keep as fit as possible, find ways to help each other, and for now, avoid breathing other people’s air.

Suzanne Conboy-Hill

Common Questions and Answers About COVID-19 for Older Adults and People with Chronic Health Conditions – From the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, this guide should be a go-to resource for seniors who have questions about covid, including its prevention, emergency warning signs, and treatment.

Seniors’ COVID-19 vaccine consumer guide – This article gives a great overview about the vaccine options. The bottom line: every adult should get one as soon as possible.

Staying Fit While Staying Home: Exercise for Seniors in Quarantine – It’s important for all of us to try to stay active for the sake of our physical and mental health, even if we’re homebound. The ideas and resources in this article offer great suggestions for seniors of all ages and abilities.

Financial help for older adults – This guide from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers an overview of assistance options for seniors who have experienced financial hardship during the pandemic. It also provides links for further reading on topics like financial planning and fraud prevention.

Reverse Mortgage Calculator – Many seniors are looking into reverse mortgages to help them free up funds for living expenses or healthcare costs, but it’s important to know what they involve so you can decide if they’re right for you. This tool explains in detail what a reverse mortgage is and helps you calculate what yours could be.

Mental Health and Coping during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic – During a crisis, it’s more important than ever to take care of mental health concerns, especially considering how much our emotional health may be impacted in such strange times. This guide will help seniors and others cope with stress, grief, and more during covid.

Socializing in Place: Tips for Older People to Stay Connected and Safe – Social isolation is a bigger concern for home-based seniors than ever. These great tips offer ideas on how older adults can stay connected while remaining socially distant from their loved ones.

Dan Hall.