How To Keep Senior Citizens Safe During The COVID-19 Pandemic
According to experts, the new coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2, can cause respiratory infections ranging from mild to life-threatening, with senior citizens being particularly vulnerable because of their depleted immunity and already prevalent ailments. Dr. Vijay Kumar, Assistant Professor, Geriatric Department, All India Institute Of Medical Science (AIIMS) says that people over the age of 60 may also have more trouble recovering from COVID-19 respiratory disease, especially those who have underlying conditions like asthma, liver diseases, diabetes, heart problems, hypertension or some other such disease. So, it becomes even more important to take care of older adults to protect them and keep them safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some tips released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to help seniors stay healthy during the pandemic.
According to Dr. Vijay Kumar, Assistant Professor, Geriatric Department, All India Institute Of Medical Science (AIIMS), those who are assisting the seniors must watch out for some common symptoms in them like fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, headache, chills, loss of taste or smell. They may even report gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhoea, he said. In case of any of these symptoms seniors must be provided medical help. However, he stresses that they should not be taken to the doctor's office or the emergency room straight away as they may catch the virus there if they haven't already. He suggests, calling the doctor for advice on what to do and where to get tested.
It is a must for elderly people to stay on track when it comes to diet, and this is where people who are taking care of them must help them. Feed them healthy food to help them stay fit. Add green vegetables, pulses, and seasonal fruits like mango, watermelon, and honeydew melon and other antioxidant-rich food in their diet. Ensure that they take their previously prescribed medicines as required. Also, make it a habit for them to drink at least 3 litres of water every day as this will help them maintain good health, says Dr. Kumar.
Do not keep senior citizens completely bed-bound, says Dr. Kumar. He says that social distancing may affect routines in ways that can compromise the strength of older adults as most of them are used to taking walks outside. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining good habits, including sufficient sleep and exercise. Simple exercises at home may be beneficial in the current times as it can help boost the body's immune functions, decrease inflammation and have mental and emotional benefits, he says.
Social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, even under ordinary circumstances and with an add-on fear of a new disease without a proven treatment or vaccine, and social isolation makes it even harder, says Dr. Kumar. Depression, anxiety, and sadness are all very common emotions in this type of a situation and so it is vital to be vigilant about the psychological state of seniors. He suggests calling them regularly and checking on them a few times in a day. He also suggests encouraging the senior citizens to take up hobbies like reading, playing music and painting.
Nearly 20 lakh children live on the streets of India, without an identity, a name to call their own, a place to call home, sleeping on empty stomachs for days and nights. These twenty lakh are children, who have dreams, who have rights, who are our tomorrow. They are living in the shadows today.
During these unprecedented times, not everyone can afford the privilege of social distancing. And not everybody can stay home during the lockdown, simply because they don’t have a home. Those living in poverty are extremely vulnerable, struck with a sudden lack of funds, food, mobility and a struggle for survival. And, as with all humanitarian crises, it is the children who have been affected the most.
It is always the children on the street who are subjected to some of the harshest realities of life. Today they are battling a catastrophic crisis, and it’s time we step in to protect them.
As a part of our COVID-19 response, Save the Children is working across various regions and has already directly reached over 18,000 children and adults to cover their basic needs. The organisation is ensuring their daily needs and their dignity and hygiene are also being cared for. Save the Children has identified 2.5 lakh children in cohorts, across 10 cities in India. Reaching out to these children with emergency relief is a top priority. But this cannot be done alone.
Save the Children and NDTV join hands to bring focus to the lives of children living in street situations. As India fights the Coronavirus, we must not forget one of the most marginalised and excluded groups whose lives have been long ignored – street-connected children. The 21-day campaign will generate public interest and raise funds to ensure these 20 Lakh+ children who live, earn, sleep and eat on our streets are cared for and protected. Amidst the crisis the world is facing, they are most vulnerable, exposed to infection and disease.