DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has introduced The Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check, a quantitative study that finds an estimated 17 million (42%) U.S. seniors agreeing they are less socially active now than before the pandemic. About 20% of seniors feel lonelier now, according to the survey of more than 1,000 adults age 55 and older.

The research also reveals that seniors are missing activities they enjoyed pre-pandemic due to COVID-19 exposure anxiety, which is still prevalent in the senior community.

Walgreens COVID-19 Pulse Check found 70% of seniors are more confident socializing when the people they are around are vaccinated against COVID-19 and other viruses like flu, shingles and pneumonia. Among other findings:

• 60% are worried about seeing friends regularly and attending family gatherings
• 36% miss going on vacation
• 28% miss going shopping or running errands
• 19% miss being connected to their local community
• 15% miss the independence of doing things for themselves, like shopping

The pharmacy retailer initiated Walgreens Seniors Day to provide an accessible, safe and supported environment. Customers age 55 and older and their caregivers can save 20% off eligible regular-priced merchandise on the first Tuesday of every month or online all week with code SENIOR20 at checkout (Sunday-Saturday of that week).

At checkout, seniors should let a Walgreens team member know they are shopping with the Seniors Day discount for the savings to apply to their purchase. Those with Medicare Advantage over-the-counter benefits are encouraged to ask team members how to take advantage of their benefit while in store.

Walgreens points out that its pharmacy teams are trained to support the senior population through pharmacy services including Save A Trip Refill, 90-day prescription fills and refill reminders.

At-home COVID-19 tests are available at no cost with most insurance plans through May 11, the company says, though limits apply to the number of tests covered per person per month.

Walgreens brand at-home COVIED-19 tests are available with a discount on Seniors Day.

Walgreens pharmacy team members are available to help customers use their pharmacy benefits to get over-the-counter test kits through their insurance.

“As a trusted health care destination, we’re giving customers another testing option to stay ahead of COVID-19 with our Walgreens brand at-home COVID-19 test, broadening our assortment in stores and online,” said Luke Rauch, Walgreens chief merchandising officer and senior vice president. “In addition to tests, we offer an assortment of Walgreens brand products that offer a great everyday value and are designed to meet our consumers’ needs.”

Unlocking ‘the joy of aging’

With more than 85,000 health care service providers — including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and nurse practitioners — Walgreens offers customers with more complex health needs easy access to the medications, treatments and products they need to keep safe and well. This includes products from walkers and hearing aids long with our Walgreens brand line of vitamins.

Walgreens notes that it offers 24-hour delivery, seven days a week from 600 participating stores across the country. Customers can use the service to get groceries, over-the-counter medications, personal care items, household necessities and more.

Alternatively, 30-minute pickup makes it easy to shop a local store via Walgreens.com or the myWalgreens app and have items ready for pickup in-store or curbside.