As the COVID 19 pandemic shows no signs of slowing down, the lockdown imposed in India, combined with the number of increasingly affected cases has created a ripple of fear in the minds of most of people. But the section of our society who is more prone to get anxious and scared is the senior citizens, especially the ones who are living alone.
The senior citizens are the most vulnerable group in the context of the society as well as the pandemic. Due to them being physically weak, with a low immunity system as well as many suffering from ailments like diabetes, blood pressure, etc, they are more prone to get affected. As the worldwide research shows them to be the most vulnerable, it affects the mental state of the senior citizens. They are more prone to feeling scared and anxious, constantly under the fear of being affected by the disease.
There are many old aged couples or individuals who tend to live alone. These people are the most affected emotionally due to the lockdown as they try to maintain the balance between their health, household chores, and social restrictions. They may feel trapped, lonely which will negatively affect their mental wellbeing. It is very important for senior citizens with underlying heart ailments to not become anxious and nervous.
There are many old aged who are living with their caretakers or guardians. But since the lockdown, there has been a significant rise in the domestic violence cases of the old aged. During this period, the older adults have become more dependent on their guardians, which has caused a subsequent rise in domestic violence reports. The elders suffering from physical abuse tend to be more anxious, depressed, and mentally unhealthy.
So, now arises the question, what can be done to keep our elders safe and healthy?
It is now our moral responsibility to make sure these individuals feel safe during these tough times. If you are related to or know any old adults who are living alone, make sure you are calling them from time to time, interacting with them through video calls, checking upon them, reassuring them. If anyone near you or in your society is alone senior citizen, check up on them from time to time. Help them in bringing the necessary resources they require. Talk to them, console them, reassure them, that these tough times will be gone, too.
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