Thoughts Of A Geriatric Expert On Older Adults And Post Pandemic Autonomy

Dr Naganath Narasimhan Prem, Chief Consultant Geriatric Medicine /Elderly Care Specialist at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai tells us why older adults must make their own decisions regarding their safety in post-pandemic times. 

As the world battles the pandemic, we, in India, have reached the vaccination drive stage.

At the peak of the pandemic and to this day, the health advisory says senior citizens above 60 years of age are advised to stay at home. Most older adults have stayed at home and strictly followed all the directives.

In this time a lot of senior citizens have also felt lonely and isolated. The beauty of being old stems from the fact that one is more experienced and adapted to numerous situations in life. The older adults never ceased to amaze as they took up technology, bred it and became an active part of being socially connected.

The caregivers of older adults, whether they were staying with them or away, have been strict in making sure that older adults do not leave the home environment. This raises the question of what do older adults want to do?

In my interactions with older adults during this pandemic, the question of autonomy has been often talked about. For those older persons who, despite knowing the facts, might choose to take risks and expose themselves to this virus, some will argue against an ageist “paternalism” that would prevent them from exercising their human rights. This means that a person at risk at any age must be free to make an individual decision as to whether he/she is willing to go back out into society, take the risk of falling ill with COVID-19 and accept the consequences, however dire they may be.

A school of thought says that chronological age is the sole criterion [as to who needs to stay at home], as some people at high age are fit and healthy and others who are younger can be sick and frail, old persons are not all the same. So an ageist attitude would be strictly not acceptable.

As eldercare specialists, it is important that we do not blur the lines between being paternalistic and allowing autonomy. The older adults are the most experienced and responsible segment of the population, this is why their decisions need to be respected. At the same time, it is also essential that all the facts are provided to them, enabling them to make informed decisions on their health and life.

Dr Narasimhan is a regular speaker on the subject of geriatric health

Many elders who are active in various fields have expressed their desire to return to work as that is their passion and source of independent income. Most older adults want their independence and profess the same to others. Age should bear no importance if all precautions of wearing a mask, physical distancing and hand sanitizing are followed strictly. The choice is there for every individual to make decisions based on professional advice and factual knowledge.

As we get into the paradigm where vaccination rollout has begun and older adults are being offered the same, my advice would be to make decisions for self and maintain that independence. We are here to allay the fears and apprehensions you have. It’s paramount that you count on your own experience and the knowledge provided to you, in the best interests.

We as a society are a team in handling the pandemic. All of us have done our bit in riding the pandemic till now and we will do it till it ends.

Stay safe and stay calm.