Thread by @EthnicMediaSvc

We are about to begin our weekly news briefing for ethnic media. The topic is: A Pandemic of Older Americans. Joining us is @SusanDeMarois @DrTomasAragon @ActonAna @donnabentonphd and Jessica Lehman from Senior and Disability Action #ethnicmedia #CovidIsNotOver

@DrTomasAragon explains we have seen an increase in viral infections over the past few weeks, early compared to other years. RSV infections have peaked and Influenza is now going up.

@DrTomasAragon "You want to think ahead" on Covid. There's a lot of transmission at the moment in over 90% of counties in California #ethnicmedia

@DrTomasAragon our hospitals are packed, some at 120% capacity, not just from respiratory viral infections, but a lot of delayed care from the pandemic. Staffing shortages continues to the strain

@DrTomasAragon "California Smarter plan begins with a continued push for vaccinations". Get the bivalent booster folks!

@DrTomasAragon emphasizing that the biggest risk factor for Covid at the moment is AGE. The older the more risk. Vaccinated. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Stay home if you are sick, have a treatment plan for if you get infected, he adds. #ethnicmedia

Jessica Lehman from @sdaction1 Let's talk how we approach this as a community, there's a lack of recognition that large numbers of people are still at high risk of dying from Covid. The elder and the disabled are part of families in the community.

Jessica Lehman @sdaction1 drop in life expectancy particularly in communities of color. Ableism is real, we need to continue masking, we need to continue to mask in public buildings and in general. #ethnicmedia #CovidIsNotOver

@ActonAna from @CaliforniaDOR talks of the greater impact of Covid with people with disabilities, including younger ones. Isolation and loneliness was a big deal and they are still restricted in their ability to connect with others #CovidIsNotOver

Independent Living Centers were and are key in addressing the needs of people with disabilities who are still at big risk of Covid, says @ActonAna from @CaliforniaDOR

There's still a need for digital access, food and basics access, resources and vaccines. This same issues are still continuing for people at high risk during these times of high Covid transmission @ActonAna from @CaliforniaDOR

@donnabentonphd tackles the need to protect the rights of family caregivers who take care of 80% of elderly and people with disabilities when they get sick withe these respiratory diseases. The pandemic has worsened this situation #caregivers

Health of caregivers has worsened since the pandemic. We need to make sure people have access to PPE and how to use medical leave policies in existence. Information about help for caregivers here @caregiver_ca

@SusanDeMarois Director of California Department of Aging calls attention to diminishing life expectancy across the US for vulnerable and populations of color.

Aging Adult information line 1 -800-5102020 in California can link people to many resources, says director of CA Dpt of Aging @SusanDeMarois

In California we have a master plan for aging since 3 years ago for housing, health, caregivers, equity and inclusion, says @SusanDeMarois from CA Dpt of Aging

To learn more about Independent Living Centers in California - dor.ca.gov/Home/Independe…

Here is where you can get connected to your local caregiver resource center caregivercalifornia.org

“Reframing Aging” Toolworks initiative: reframingaging.org

Language is important in combating ageism. Yes to "elders", not "the elderly", says Jessica Lehman from @sdaction1

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