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My 81-year-old mother lives alone. She's always been very introverted, and spending the lockdown alone has only made her more withdrawn. Her conversations always revolve around problems; she's sad and constantly says, "Oh well, I don't have much time left anyway." She doesn't want to move in with any of her children, and we don't know how to help her.

Juan Manuel Mendive
Dr. Juan Manuel Mendive Arbeloa
General Practitioner. Centro de Atención Primaria La Mina
Institut Català de la Salut (ICS)

I think they're already helping her a lot by showing concern and letting their mother know she's not alone. Their mother is going through a very difficult time, but she's surely a strong woman. The fact that she doesn't want to live with any of her children doesn't necessarily make things worse. Their mother surely feels surrounded by her familiar surroundings and memories in her home, even though she now lives alone. This familiar environment can help her and keep her grounded during these difficult years. It's very important to maintain communication with their mother, so she feels that she truly matters to her children. Call her often and organize family gatherings. It's also important that she can see friends. On a daily basis, it would be beneficial for her to join an activity at a senior center.

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Mercedes Álvarez Herranz
Mercedes Álvarez Herranz
Psychogeriatric psychiatrist
Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu
Juan Manuel Mendive
Dr. Juan Manuel Mendive Arbeloa
General Practitioner. Centro de Atención Primaria La Mina
Institut Català de la Salut (ICS)