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Being An Older Iowan During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Huy Phan/Unsplash
Older people may experience loneliness and anxiety as COVID-19 continues to spread, but there are services and tools avialable to help those in need of support.

COVID-19 has killed close to 90,000 Americans, about 80% of whom are people 65-years-old or older. For many older people, it’s a scary time, a sad time and it’s easy to become isolated. 

On this episode of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe is joined by experts Peter Martin of Iowa State University and Mercedes Bern-Klug of the University of Iowa, as well as listeners from across the state for a look at what it’s like to be an older Iowan in the midst of this pandemic and what tools and resources are available for those who may be struggling with isolation during this time.

Guests include:

  • Peter Martin, professor of human development and family studies, Iowa State University College of Human Sciences
  • Mercedes Bern-Klug, professor of social work and director of the Aging and Longevity Studies Program, University of Iowa
  • Patty Mishler, 69-year-old Iowa City resident and blogger at Meemaw Eats
  • Kittie Weston-Knauer, 71-year-old Des Moines resident and the oldest female BMX racer in the United States

Katelyn Harrop is a producer for IPR's River to River and Talk of Iowa
Charity Nebbe is the host of IPR's Talk of Iowa