Swampscott resident and entrepreneur Carolina Velasquez’ push to put inflatable creations dubbed “balloon buddies” into seniors’ homes underscores the heart-wrenching reality of COVID-19’s impact on the elderly.
The 10-month-old pandemic laid a double curse on seniors with the virus reaping its deadliest harvest in the 65-years-and-older age group and forcing seniors into isolation to protect them from contracting COVID-19.
The pandemic’s mask mandates and social-distancing protocols have imposed varying degrees of isolation on people around the world. But the two extreme ends of the age spectrum are hardest hit by the virus’ social starvation diet.
Consigned to remote learning, children can’t play or learn in group settings. Marooned in their homes or in nursing home rooms, seniors have been denied the pleasures of age, including leisurely gatherings with friends, holidays surrounded by family, and the joy of embracing and holding a grandchild or great-grandchild.
Velasquez’ home-grown entertainment company, Fairytale Moments Events, created huggable characters made out of balloons for donation to local seniors. With a goal of initially putting 100 “balloon buddies” in seniors’ arms, she extended an invitation on her company’s Facebook page for people to adopt one of her creations in return for a $15 donation.
The initiative is a small piece of the global “Adopt a Grandparent” campaign aimed at helping seniors.
Velasquez recognizes that all of us — including vulnerable seniors and children — need something tangible and comforting we can hold onto until the COVID-19’s scourge gradually passes away from our lives.
Her commitment to meet a life-saving need underscores the more indepth help seniors will need in COVID-19’s wake. The virus, that in its initial weeks swept mercilessly through elder care facilities, will challenge geriatric health experts and architects to redesign senior residences to guard their residents against future viruses.
The isolation imposed on people who, even before COVID-19, experienced mobility and cognitive limitations is profound and gives rise to serious mental health concerns.
Velasquez isn’t an architect or a psychiatrist: She is a woman who cares about the welfare of others during an exceptionally tough time. Her balloon creations are cute, maybe even a little corny, but if they comfort just one senior and weaken the corrosive power of isolation, then Velasquez will have earned the title of warrior in the battle against COVID-19.