Throughout history, the human race has been great at adapting. As the proverb goes, necessity is the mother of invention. This means that new ways to do things are invented when there is a major need to do so.
This can be applied at an individual level, with someone needing to learn how to cook once they live on their own, or a more generalized principle when considering major inventions like air conditioning, electricity, and communication devices.
With the United States hopefully on the downward side of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can reflect on what we learned and what was developed to make life easier during this period and apply to our lives moving forward.
Richmond Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four of the things we can learn and apply from the pandemic.
- How You See a Doctor Has Changed Forever
Telemedicine isn’t a brand new concept, but it was rarely used until a year ago. Now, millions were forced to see their physicians virtually, and it’s expected that a large chunk of those people will continue doing so due to the convenience factor. If you just need to have a conversation with a doctor and can adequately explain your symptoms or what’s wrong, saving time and money by having a virtual visit is the way to go.
- The Great Outdoors
With the risk of transmission being so small, we rediscovered outdoor passions, especially during the summer or those in warm climates. Along this same line of thinking, one study last year found that nearly a third of people living in urban areas were considering moving to less densely populated areas in order to better enjoy nature.
- Build Up Your Nest Egg
Many Americans learned the hard way over what not having any money saved away can do, as unemployment reached all-time highs in some areas. A Federal Reserve report found that four in 10 Americans didn’t have enough money to cover an unexpected expense of $400. One thing employers are now starting to do is having workers opt into rainy-day savings funds, where a portion of their paycheck is goes directly to a savings account.
- The Concept of Personal Space May Stay
While we’re anxious to ditch our mask and gather again with others, everyone will likely continue to give each other some space rather than pack in places like sardines. Behavior experts believe that social distancing concepts that we’ve now gotten used to will be a mostly permanent part of life down the road.
To learn more about Richmond Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://richmond-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
