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Home Blog COVID-19 Safety COVID-19 – Here’s How The Elderly Can Stay Protected!

COVID-19 – Here’s How The Elderly Can Stay Protected!

By Dixit Arora +2 more

check_circle Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi

Last updated: Mar 21, 2024

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It’s time to take extra care of our parents and grandparents! If we are to go by global as well as national statistics, a worrying trend emerges. Senior citizens (60 years and above) are more susceptible to COVID-19 than other age groups. The fatality rate of this infection is higher for the elderly as well.

Table of Contents

Why are the elderly so vulnerable to COVID-19?

It is because, as people grow older, their immunity becomes weaker and they are less capable of fighting off viruses. Besides, co-morbidities or co-occurring diseases are more prevalent amongst the elderly than other age groups. Illnesses like high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, heart disorders, obstructive pulmonary disease or diabetes can make COVID-19 fatal. Now that we know why the elderly population is vulnerable to COVID-19, let us assure you that there are ways in which senior citizens can be kept completely safe from this global pandemic.

Here are some dos and don’ts for senior citizens –

Do’s

Stay at home and do not entertain guests or visitors at home. Any of them could have the COVID-19 infection.
If meeting with people is essential, then you must maintain a distance of at least 1 metre (3.2 feet) from them.
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially after handling anything that came from outside (groceries, newspapers, etc.)
Make sure that you are getting good quality nutrition through freshly cooked home meals.
Optimum hydration is an absolute must. Plenty of clean water and fruit juices (without sugar) are recommended.
Regular exercise can boost immunity. Simple activities like walking inside the house or climbing the stairs can be considered.
Make sure that you are taking the prescribed doses of your medicines for pre-existing ailments.
If any elective surgery (like a cataract removal procedure) is scheduled during the lockdown, it must be postponed. Going to a hospital can expose you to COVID-19.
Doorbells, door handles, keys and other such frequently touched objects must be cleaned regularly.
Stay in touch with your family members who are not living with you through phone calls and video conferencing.
If you observe any symptoms of COVID-19, go to a hospital immediately.

Also Read: 12 Proven Health Benefits Of Makhana (Fox Nuts)

Don’ts

Do not sneeze or cough into your hands or with your mouth uncovered.
Do not touch your face, mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.
Do not go near those who appear sick.
Don’t self-medicate.
Do not shake hands or hug.
Do not go for your routine health check-up now.
Do not go to markets, public parks where plenty of people gather.
Do not step out of your house unless necessary.

The elderly people need our help now. It is time to step up and do our bit to take care of them. All of us have senior citizens in our families whom we love and cherish. That is why we need to rigorously follow the COVID-19 guidelines so that this pandemic does not challenge their health.Stay home and practise social distancing to keep yourself safe!You can now assess yourself and your loved ones for Coronavirus risk at home with PharmEasy’s AI-Powered Bot – Covid Assist. Click below.

Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/AdvisoryforElderlyPopulation.pdf Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.