Wellbeing of older adults amidst COVID-19
Positive ageing is all about physical activities, mental attitudes and social behaviour. However, COVID-19 outbreak and the ensuing social distancing has given rise to uncertain and unsettling circumstances. Seniors around the world are grappling with the realisation that they are not only the most vulnerable group but also have to face going into social isolation and social recession.
So now is the time to reiterate the use of some ordinary measures for these extraordinary times.
Connect through technology
WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype and Facebook Messenger are some of the many online options for video calling. Even the remotest villages in India are now connected via Whatsapp. Today, we have the opportunity to catch up with family and friends – everyone has the time now. The positive aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has forced people to slow down and connect with each other. If setting up an account is a daunting task, ask a neighbour, grandchild or family member to help.
Stay active in the community, from home
Have balcony or garden meetings while maintaining a minimum distance of 6 feet. Include laughing, singing and story reading in the session, and if possible, go digital with your family and community to play bridge, solve puzzles online, or have virtual parties with them. Don't forget to dress up for these parties. Use your imagination!
Use the phone
Connect with people on your contact list. Don’t forget your hairdresser! You will realise how important the connect was for you as well as the person on the other end of the line.
Create a buddy system
Identify who can help you and stay in touch with them in these crucial times. It’s reassuring to have that special someone.
Go on a news diet
News will not change hourly! While it is important to be aware, it is also imperative that you keep things in perspective. Restrict your news consumption, especially TV news to avoid getting anxious while self-quarantining. And let it be for the rest of the day.
Deal with stress
• It’s normal to worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones.
• Yoga, solving jigsaw puzzles, crossword or sudoku is ideal for mental stimulus.
• Exercise at home. Walking around the house, even at a leisurely pace, can get you at least 5000 steps in a day.
• Get involved with daily chores. Cooking, gardening and cleaning will help you realise that your anxiety is manageable.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs to take the easier way out.
Being part of a community helps
Get creative: Check to see if seniors need help delivering food and supplies. With everyone at home, relationships can be rekindled by taking up forgotten pastimes such as knitting, handwork and sewing together.
Call regularly to check on the elders.
Find a buddy: Make sure the vulnerable stay connected; reassure them.
Respond to multigenerational living situations
Households and communities might be multigenerational with people of different age groups at different levels of risk, residing under one roof. Plan contingencies if a child or a senior family member were to fall sick. This may mean isolation as well as stringent precautions.
More importantly, remember that our seniors are tough. They are resilient, resourceful and for the most part, optimistic. They will overcome but your help will be appreciated.
