COVID-19 Updates from University of Haifa

June 11, 2020

CORONAVIRUS STUDY: LONELINESS NOT LINKED TO PSYCHIATRIC

DISORDERS IN SENIORS WHO ARE "YOUNG AT HEART"

The study, led by researchers from the University of Haifa and Bar Ilan University, focused on seniors who are at a greater risk of COVID-19 health complications and who remained in stricter self-isolation than other age groups.

The researchers found that the effects of isolation and loneliness on psychiatric symptoms were profound among participants who felt subjectively older than their chronological age. However, participants who felt subjectively younger than their chronological age exhibited no psychiatric symptoms related to loneliness and isolation. Continue reading

DANCE THERAPY HELPS BONDING WITH GRANDCHILDREN & MAY HELP PREVENT DEMENTIA

The coronavirus quarantine has prevented many people from seeing their older relatives in person for months. When that isolation ends, however, a new study says there’s one thing every grandchild should do — take grandma dancing!

Dr. Einat Shuper Engelhard from the University of Haifa noted that the study, published in Frontiers in Psychology , found that dance therapy not only improved seniors’ moods , but also affected the attitudes of the younger generation. The classes helped seniors form stronger bonds with their grandchildren. Researchers also believe dance therapy can aid in preventing dementia . Continue reading

ISRAEL'S ASYLUM SEEKERS RECEIVE

UNORTHODOX COVID-19 RELIEF

With refugees representing one of society’s most vulnerable populations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, University of Haifa researcher Dr. Amit Bernstein and his team are spearheading efforts to ensure their wellbeing.

Dr. Bernstein’s team has developed a brief, web-based adaptation of their mindfulness-based intervention for refugees and asylum seekers which is specifically tailored to mitigate acute stress stemming from COVID-19. The project was launched in the impoverished neighbourhoods of South Tel Aviv, home to the majority of the nearly 40,000 asylum seekers from Eritrea and Sudan who have sought safety and refuge in Israel. C on tinue reading

AN OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FOR OUR STUDENTS

The University of Haifa is grateful to our supporters who have given generously to the Student Solidarity Fund. We are continuing our campaign to raise funds to provide scholarships for students who are struggling financially and are at risk of dropping out of their academic programs. Click here to make a donation to the Student Solidarity Fund or call 416.972.9400

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