The Importance of Protecting the Elderly During the Pandemic Process

A successful sociologist and gerontologist, Dr. Shankardass, there are impressions of the impact of social distance on older adults during the pandemic, the unprecedented challenges this demographic group faced, and ways to overcome them. He tries to raise awareness by sharing these impressions with his articles.

Many older people, such as Ramesh Madan, 78, are someone whose feelings of anxiety have risen due to the pandemic process that has been going on in the past year. He reaches out to sociologist Dr Shankardass to somehow relieve his worries. In fact, there is only one main reason for wanting to meet with him, and unfortunately he is not alone in his feelings; and that is how it is affected by the pandemic. The thought that raises his anxiety is how he will be affected as an older adult if he contracts the disease from someone carrying the coronavirus. And the real question under his anxiety is this; Not knowing how to manage his life as he will be isolated by his family if he is diagnosed with infection!

These fears are understandable, especially when studies from different countries show that older adults are more vulnerable to the disease caused by the new coronavirus than other age groups. Especially adults aged 60 and over with pre-existing medical conditions are more likely to have a severe or even fatal coronavirus infection than other age groups. While physical distancing is advocated for this segment of the population, as in other population groups, the imperative is not to socially isolate older people, because the time spent by them with family and friends is very valuable to them in general.

The concept of social distance, so common in the current scenario, should not lead to loneliness, which can have adverse effects and be very detrimental to the overall health of older people, including socio-psychological stability. Physical distancing should not further isolate older people who lead a very lonely life, with chronic illness and suffering from old age for most of their time. Interactions with older adults are like a good wish that contributes to their mental satisfaction. In fact, that good wish makes these older adults feel important. That’s why being in constant contact with them is like healing for their desperation.

The elderly belong to the vulnerable segment of society, where they may feel lonely due to indifference from the family or society. It is important that they stay connected through dialogue with daily service providers and stay in touch with their friends, siblings, children and grandchildren. According to reports from the NGO sector, psychological abuse cases for the elderly are increasing, this is a very harmful situation. And it must be prevented by all members of society, including the authorities.

Although most of the studies carried out are made to reduce the risk of getting sick and protect the elderly people, they do not perceive it as such. And being put in such a mandatory quarantine makes them feel bad. Therefore, in this mandatory quarantine imposed on them, the media, civil society members and law enforcement should act with much more sensitive thinking. Violation of the right to dignity of the elderly is annoying, and the need for urgent intervention to restore their well-being must be recognized and necessary.

Due to the fact that many places of worship are closed to the public during the pandemic, older adults are disconnected from a significant part of their social life in these areas, which are often a popular congregation group. It becomes vital for caregivers of seniors to help loved ones access online services and plan outreach programs for spiritual consolation and support. Using technology to communicate or access services to meet basic daily needs is not only useful in this sense, but also the need of time. Internet facilities, video chats, online purchases, etc. Situations like these can become more important and make the lives of the elderly more comfortable these days. However, while many older adults may not yet have these abilities, it is possible to develop this to some extent.

In addition, the use of apps to conduct financial activities has become an important part of life these days, although it poses a risk to older adults rather than younger family members who understand technology. Therefore, they should be patiently explained to them about the intricacies of online transactions and make them feel pleasure to share this information with them.

Especially nowadays, the sensitivity to fraud and abuse is much higher. In addition, it is a well-known issue that older adults are less aware of financial issues such as bank transfers, pensions or technological purchases. Therefore, seniors need to be more careful in meeting their daily needs through internet and online commerce. Because the difficulties at this point are not only due to the assisted devices used to reach these areas, but also due to various mental and physical barriers that occur with age. So this factor is important to be considered by caregivers and family members of the elderly.

In addition, in times of epidemics, elderly people should be engaged in activities appropriate to their age and health conditions for their health. This will maintain their physical and mental stability, so depression, anxiety and stress will be kept at bay. The recommended physical distance at the time of the pandemic can harm the emotions and peace of the elderly people. During these times they need special attention, understanding and help to cope with daily activities. Family members and caregivers need to be extra kind, considerate and careful in meeting the needs of older people.

In summary, in such a period, the interests, belongings and well-being of the elderly need to be protected. And this need is an issue that needs to be dealt with much more seriously than in normal time. The happiness of older adults lies in their commitment and inclusion to families and society. It is the duty of governments and society to recognize this and reduce the vulnerability of the elderly to exploitation and neglect during the pandemic. And all those who have human virtues have a duty in this regard, and everyone should do their best to get a single smile on their faces.