AARP Texas

The words “social isolation” has taken on a whole new feeling… yes, I said feeling. Sure, we know it means to isolate yourself, but for many, it has taken on a feeling as well. Some of us are feeling anxious, sad, and uneasy. Many of us have turned those feelings into an opportunity to channel our inner Julia Child, Rachel Ray, Gordon Ramsey, Aaron Sanchez, or Eddie Huang.

Social distancing is a phrase we’re all too familiar with today and part of our new normal in this time of Covid-19. As we socially distance ourselves to prevent spreading the virus, you should look for ways to avoid loneliness without risking our health.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s March 31 order extending social distancing guidelines through the end of April means the Lone Star State will be operating in its new normal for at least one more month.

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is spreading around the world, sparking anxiety and questions about the respiratory disease. AARP Texas wants to help you get answers to your most urgent questions.

Seems like every day we are hearing something new about the Coronavirus or Covid-19. The only consistent message is that major steps are being taken during the illness' outbreak to inform and protect older Americans and their families.

To help Texas combat the COVID-19 healthcare crisis and to improve health outcomes for older persons, AARP Texas has called on Governor Greg Abbott to bolster health coverage statewide by seeking a temporary expansion of Medicaid.

In response to numerous inquiries about the impact of coronavirus on Texans, AARP Texas issued today (Tuesday, March 24, 2020) the following statement:

The nation's estimated 140 million households are receiving their 2020 Census invitations. The forms are easy to fill out and you can submit them online, by mail and by phone. To keep everyone safe, the Census Bureau has suspended all field operations for now. The idea is to take a break to slow the spread of Covid-19.

With the world’s current situation, we are all being advised to stay home and practice social distancing. This means we should avoid crowded places. While you may have the necessities, how will you keep yourself entertained? Binge-watching online media like movies and shows could be your solution but it isn’t the only thing you can do. Staying at home does not have to feel like complete isolation. If you need some suggestions, we at AARP Texas are here to help.

At AARP, we have been promoting the health and well-being of older Americans for more than 60 years. We are monitoring developments related to Covid-19 and are working feverishly to keep you informed by providing you information and resources to help older people and caregivers protect themselves from the virus and prevent its spread. One of the issues that accompany crisis situations is the issue of price gouging. Unfortunately, Texans are not immune to this type of illegal practice. Texans were told to be on the lookout for scams after Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide Coronavirus disaster declaration on March 13.