Since the start of the pandemic, it has been observed that the novel coronavirus disproportionately affects the elderly. Health experts have attributed it to their weaker immune systems and underlying conditions, such as respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Eight out of ten COVID-19 deaths in the United States occurred among adults aged 65 years or older in 2020. In India, a whopping 90 per cent of those who died due to COVID-19 were older than 40 years. If you have an elderly family member, exercise the strictest precaution to avoid infection. Here are some practices that can ensure their physical and emotional wellbeing:
Practise personal hygiene
If you are in regular contact with the elderly, your personal hygiene is doubly important – for yourself and them. Follow all the necessary COVID-19 protocol. Wear a mask when you step out and wash or sanitise your hands regularly. Avoid crowds and refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Regularly disinfect frequently-touched surfaces in your home.
Limit in-person visits
In-person visits are best avoided as much as possible if you step outside often. However, it could also increase the feelings of isolation among the elderly, which, in turn, can affect their immunity. When visiting the elderly, practice social distancing and wear a mask.
Stay connected through technology
Loneliness puts the elderly at a higher health risk. But thanks to modern technology, social distancing does not have to mean social isolation. You can stay in touch with them regularly through a simple telephone call. If possible, you could even teach them to use video chat if they are unfamiliar with it. It can also help them consult doctors digitally and avoid visits to clinics and hospitals. Such tools may not guarantee the same level of intimacy as a physical presence, but they offer a way to stay connected when a physical connection is impossible.
Help the elderly with errands
Stepping outside to run errands can be risky for the elderly. You can offer to help acquire groceries, medicine and other essentials and ensure that they are fully stocked. If they would like to be more independent, you can even teach them to order essentials using delivery apps.
Plan ahead
Involve your elderly family member in discussions on how you can manage disruptions to your routines. Appoint an emergency contact to fill in for you in your absence. Finally, if anyone in the family develops symptoms of COVID-19, reach out to a doctor and get tested as soon as possible.
With vaccination now underway worldwide, senior citizens can soon put their worries to rest. In India, the Central Government has announced that senior citizens and those above 45 years with comorbities can be vaccinated from March 1, 2021. However, until they get inoculated, it is important to continue taking adequate precaution.
Sign up for our Newsletter
A weekly newsletter with the most up to dateinformation about Covid 19.
Read our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.