Elderly In The Times Of COVID And Beyond

The lockdown has had both downsides and positive sides for the senior population. Here is all we need to know about the two sides of the lockdown.

Its been over two months since the announcement of the first lockdown to contain the Covid-19 outbreak in India. While the government has decided to call off the lockdown in stages and we are preparing to embrace a new normal post-lockdown, this article will provide an insight into how the new paradigm of the pandemic has impacted the lives of older adults.

The downsides of lockdown

Physically fit, mobile and outgoing elderly had to be suddenly restricted at home. Social distancing and physical distancing led to isolation. Dependant elderly found it difficult to avail of caregivers. Elderly couples found acquiring household items, groceries a difficult task. Lack of social activity due to the absence of any gatherings made them mentally inactive. Lack of cooks, maids increased the burden of household chores and caregiving to ailing seniors.

Life became extremely difficult for an 85-year-old who happens to be the primary caretaker of her 90-year-old spouse suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease when the paid caretaker could not come for work during the lockdown. Arranging an alternate caretaker was also not easy during the time and the octogenarian had to manage everything all alone. In certain societies, however, the managers had located which houses had dependent senior citizens and the required supply of essentials was provided at their doorstep.

Older adults staying away from their families were anxious about their kin as well as themselves. This resulted in the expression of psychological issues like stress, anxiety, frustration and more. An elderly couple whose daughters lived overseas used to love going out for evening walk daily despite having co-morbid illnesses. But due to the lockdown, their movement got restricted. Although the daughters were in constant touch through video calls, the lack of walk was expressed with frustration by them.

Positive aspects of lockdown

Elderly living with their children were able to spend more time with them as many worked from home during the lockdown. They were able to concentrate on self-care, getting to discover things about themselves. Lockdown helped the seniors demystify technology for playing games, chatting with friends and doing video calls with family. Also, this period has resulted in greater intergenerational bonding.

The silver lining certainly was older adults embracing technology to a great extent. An older adult who had no formal education learned how to play online ludo and is enjoying it daily.

Most older adults who were not averse with video apps have learned to be on it as it has helped them to be a part of support groups and learning sessions.

As we are getting out of lockdown and moving into new normalcy with COVID 19 still very much a part of our lives, we still need to take certain precautions. Here are some tips that may help you.

1.Maintain the physical distancing

2.Practice hand hygiene

3. Get more connected socially and virtually and continue expanding your social networks

4. Do not neglect other diseases like Hypertension, Diabetes, etc and take care of them as well

5. Take medications on time

6.Exercise

7.Drink adequate fluids

8. Eat proper food.

9. Stay in touch with your family and friends

10. If not absolutely necessary to go out, stay at home.

11. Although airline and railway passenger services have resumed, the older adults still come in the vulnerable category. Travel will now become more cumbersome with longer waiting times, more screening and wearing of personal protective equipment at the airports and stations. At present, it is best to avoid any sort of travel unless it is an emergency. In case of travel, make sure to wear gloves and mask, carry hand sanitiser, not eat food or drinks from outside and avoid coming in contact with the frequently touched surfaces.

Things might not be the same as before, this is the new normal. But as older adults already overcame so many obstacles throughout their life, this too will soon pass.