Half of Americans Aged Over 70 Could Miss Out on Thanksgiving Get Togethers

A new Harris Poll has found that Thanksgiving and the Holiday season could be lonely for many Americans aged over 70, as worries over the coronavirus pandemic lead families to stay apart during what is traditionally a family oriented time of the year.

The poll, commissioned by Aloe Health, asked over 70s what there plans are for Thanksgiving this year. Half of respondents said they either wouldn't be seeing family in family, or hadn't made plans to do so. Those saying they definitively wouldn't be seeing family this year made up a third of respondents.

Despite needing to remain physically apart, 2 in 5 of over 70s said they "would like to have daily communication with family", while many of the respondents (two thirds) also said they'd prefer technology for video calls to be simpler - ie no need for software downloads or smart phones.

Discussing the poll, Ray Spoljaric, CEO & Co-Founder of Aloe Care, said that "With the loneliest season upon us, it is incredibly important to maintain an open channel of communication, particularly with the older adults in our lives ... This holiday season will be an especially challenging one, with COVID-19 introducing new hurdles to traveling and spending time with family."

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? Let us know by e-mailing editor@theamerican.co.uk.

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