Anyone can catch COVID-19, but the illness does not treat everyone equally. It is especially brutal to older adults as they are at higher risk for severe illnesses from the pandemic.
Around the world, the coronavirus has predominantly claimed the lives of those over 60. According to the Report of the WHO-China Joint Mission published in February, based on 55,924 laboratory confirmed cases, more than 80 percent of the death cases are elderly over 60 years old. More than 75 percent of them had underlying diseases present such as cardiovascular and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and, in some cases, tumors. Therefore, countries worldwide have urged seniors to stay at home and limit their social interactions completely at a very early stage of the outbreak.
This move, albeit aimed to protect their health, has caused additional problems, related to increased loneliness and hampered access to social services. Sri Lanka has looked to alleviate the issues caused by such inconveniences by launching several programmes targeted at making life easier for the elderly during their stay at home.
Protecting the elderly
The United Nations (UN) data from 2018 shows that approximately 9.67 per cent of Sri Lanka’s population is above the age of 65 years. Therefore, heeding World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' statement that “we need to work together to protect older people from the virus. Older people carry the collective wisdom of our societies but they're at higher risk of the more serious complications of COVID-19", the National Elders Secretariat has taken the initiative of looking after the needs of the older generation of Sri Lanka during these stressful times.
“Poverty presents a whole range of challenges pertaining to health. We introduced an allowance for those over 70 years from low-income families and based on the directives of the Presidential Task Force headed by former minister Basil Rajapaksa, measures have been made to distribute this allowance to elders to ease the pressures they are facing during this period. We have distributed most of the proposed Rs 5000 allowances to 574, 387 citizens over 70 years. 559 citizens over 100 years have benefited from this project. We have handed out Rs 2,871.94 million among those over 70 years and Rs 2.795 million to those over 100 years,” said the National Elders Secretariat Director Saman Udawatta.
Assistance for needy elders
There are 306 elderly homes functioning in the island. Six out of these are state-run. The National Elders Secretariat had checked on their needs and had provided them with essential goods.
“Even privately owned elderly homes can seek our aid in getting provisions for their residents,” Udawattad added.
Another project launched saw the Navy assisting senior citizens to obtain their pension in early April. Under the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, the navy provided transport facilities to the elders who were in difficulties of obtaining transport to town during curfew.
Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer at the University Hospital, General Sir John Kothalawela Defense University, Dr. Neil Fernando notes that an emerging health issue in Sri Lanka is the rapid increase in the population termed as ‘older adults'.
Vulnerable population
“In Sri Lanka anyone who is 60 years and above is regarded as an elderly person. The elderly population is considered as ‘vulnerable’ when it comes to health issues. Vulnerability is demonstrated in physical, psychological and social aspects of health. This vulnerability of the elderly is clearly demonstrated by the high incidence of COVID-19 infection as well as the high prevalence of complications of COVID-19 infection,” he explained.
The novel coronavirus is chiefly spread between people through their respiratory droplets, which are spewed out of the nose and throat of an infected person in their coughs, sneezes, and spit. Hence, one of the best ways younger people can help protect older adults during this outbreak is to stay physically away from them, so the elders have fewer chances to be exposed to the coronavirus, if it is circulating in a population.
While isolation may protect older people in the coronavirus pandemic, it is exposing them to another, less understood challenge: loneliness.
“Forced isolation in challenging times can be expected to increase distress. Loneliness also causes depression, anxiety, demoralization and despair. Increasingly we understand that loneliness endangers the body as well.
Keep in touch
Physical distance doesn't mean social distance. Social contact is important. If your movements are restricted, keep in regular contact with people close to you by telephone or online channels. It is ok to check in virtually on older people, to help keep them safe. Keep in touch with older parents, neighbours, friends, or relatives who live alone or in care homes regularly in whatever ways possible, so they know how much they are loved and valued. Emotional support goes a long way during these times of isolation,” Dr Fernando said adding that it is vital to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drug use as a way of coping with fear, anxiety, boredom and social isolation.
Follow a routine
He advises elders to follow a routine.
“It is essential to stick to daily routines as far as possible. Make new ones to fit your schedule. Get up and go to bed at the same time every day. Follow a personal hygiene routine. Eat healthy meals at regular times. Exercise regularly by learning to do simple physical exercises at home. Make time for doing things you enjoy. It is important to keep a healthy mental wellbeing to face these physical challenges,” he opined. The elderly might also have isolation or mobility challenges. Since they are isolated, they cannot get information about what to do, or they are not able to get the food or medicine they need if they run out of stock. Dr Fernando advises them to seek practical help during times of need.
“Get someone who is tech-savvy to help you get online food deliveries, call a taxi or get medical assistance. Seek assistance in the use of mobile phones and online communication. Use social media to promote positive and hopeful stories. Correct misinformation wherever you see it,” he said.
If you are an elderly person who has a three-month check-up with the doctor today, should you go? You have to weigh the risk of getting coronavirus with the benefit of seeing the physician. For most people, it is probably best to skip that visit.
Keep well informed
It is essential to keep well informed too. Listening to advice and recommendations from national and local authorities. Follow trusted sources of information from the electronic and print media. Keep up to date with the latest news from the national authorities.
“However, minimize your intake in newsfeeds. Reduce the time you watch, listen, and read news that makes you anxious or distressed. Get used to seeking information once a day to reduce an overload of negative information,” he pointed out.
Dr Fernando notes that if any elders are in a position to support people in their community who may need help, it would be worthwhile to assist them in whatever way they can because it would make them feel good to do others a good turn.
“Also take the opportunity to thank your health-care workers and all those working to respond to COVID-19. We are here to assist you and look after your well-being. So please help us help you. Stay at home and help us protect Sri Lanka,” he stressed.
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