The ongoing lockdown imposed due to coronavirus pandemic has dealt a huge blow to the senior citizens across the country. Many of the elderly are suffering from psychological loneliness and isolation. There is an increase in the anxiety levels among the elderly as they are not getting proper health care, facing serious financial troubles, and also they are now more dependent on others for their basic needs. They are living in constant fear of death, and loneliness due to lockdown & restrictions on the movement that has come along with it. There is a lack of apparatus that could enable them to access basic facilities like banking, medical, etc. Things are more difficult for those senior citizens who live alone and those with chronic illnesses like asthma, pulmonary diseases, and heart disease.
Nothing is permanent in life, crises come and go & life goes on. The sun will shine again brighter and clearer. Things will get normal again but as long as they are in bad shape, senior citizens are advised to take extra care of themselves. They should get in touch with NGOs that actively work for the welfare of senior citizens. The NGOs should spread awareness about digital literacy among the senior citizens with a missionary zeal so that they could get empowered enough to make video calls to see the faces of their loved ones. It will give them immense happiness. There is also a need to impart knowledge about financial literacy among the elderly to make them more financially independent. There is no age of learning. The elderly will feel more empowered if they are financially independent.
Avoid any kind of gathering. The elderly people who are feeling lonely and depressed should always stay in touch with their dear-ones and relatives on phone. Senior citizens should not hesitate in asking for helping hand from those people who care about them & their well-being. There is also a strong need to maintain proper hygiene. Avoid inviting other people to their house for get-togethers. If the senior citizens want to talk to someone in physical then they should do it while following the social distancing norms. To get rid of boredom, they can explore the vast world of the Internet. The consumption of video content has increased significantly. The senior citizens can find lots of videos on the Internet that suits their interest. They should give it a shot. It will keep them entertained.
Zero risks with health. Take proper precautions like washing hands regularly and cover nose and mouth while sneezing. Stay away from alcohol or tobacco. Start consuming immunity boosters as prescribed by the AYUSH ministry. Keep on consuming them even after the normalcy returns.
And lastly, society need to have empathy and be sympathetic towards senior citizens. Those who are young should always be ready to help any senior citizen who needs attention and care and must voluntarily inquire about their well being. Kindness and humanity are gifts that everyone can afford to give.
Written by team DDF