Advisory for Senior Citizens during Corona Virus or COVID-19

Based on the Census 2011 age-cohort data, it is projected that there would be approximately

16 Crore Senior citizens (aged above 60 yrs) in the Country.

Sr Citizens between age group 60-69 yrs 8.8cr

Sr Citizens between age group 70-79 yrs 6.4cr

Assisted elders (above 80 years or people who require medical assistance) 2.8cr

Indigent elders (destitute who are homeless or deserted by the families) 0.18cr

Senior citizens above the age of 60 years face an increased risk in COVID times.

This is an advisory for Senior Citizens and their caregivers on how to protect them from increased health risk during this period.

For whom is this?

Aged 60 and above particularly those with following medical conditions
Chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, post tuberculous sequelae, interstitial lung disease
Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic liver disease, such as alcoholic, and viral hepatitis
Chronic neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke
Diabetes
Hypertension
Cancer

Advisory for Senior Citizens who are mobile:

Do’s

Stay within the house all the time
Avoid having visitors at home
If meeting is essential, maintain a distance of 1 meter
If living alone, one can consider depending on healthy neighbours for acquiring essentials for home
Avoid small and large gatherings at all cost
Remain actively mobile within the house
consider doing light exercise and yoga at home
Maintain hygiene by washing hands. Especially before having meals and after using the washroom. This can be done by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Clean frequently touched objects such as spectacles
Sneeze and cough into tissue paper/handkerchief. After coughing or sneezing dispose of the tissue paper in a closed bin/wash your handkerchief and hands
Ensure proper nutrition through home cooked fresh hot meals, hydrate frequently and take fresh juices to boost immunity
Take your daily prescribed medicines regularly.
Monitor your health. If you develop fever, cough and/or breathing difficulty or any other health issue, immediately contact nearest health care facility and follow the medical advice
Talk to your family members (not staying with you), relatives, friends via call or video conferencing, take help from family members if needed

Due to Summer, avoid dehydration. Consume an adequate amount of water.

(Caution for individuals with pre-existing Heart and Kidney disease)

Don’ts

Come in close contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus disease (fever / cough / breathing difficulty).
Shake hands or hug your friends and near ones
Go to crowded places like parks, markets and religious places
Cough or sneeze into your bare hands
Touch your eyes, face and nose
self-medicate
Go to hospital for routine checkup or follow up. As far as possible make teleconsultation with your healthcare provider
Invite family members and friends at home

Advisory for caregivers of dependent senior citizens

Do’s

Wash your hands before helping the older individual
Cover nose and mouth adequately using a tissue or cloth while attending on the senior citizen
Clean the surfaces which are frequently used. These include a walking cane, walker, wheel-chair, bedpan etc
Assist the older individual and help her/him in washing hands
Ensure proper food and water intake by senior citizens
Monitor his/her health

Don’ts

Contact help-line if the older adult has the following symptoms:

Advisory for senior citizens on mental well-being

Do’s

Communicate with relatives at home
Communicate with neighbours, provided social distancing is followed, and gathering of people is avoided
Provide a peaceful environment
Rediscover old hobbies like painting, listening to music, reading
Make sure to access and believe only the most reliable sources of information
Avoid tobacco, alocohol and other drugs to avoid loneliness or boredom
If you have an already existing mental illness, call helpline (08046110007)

Don’ts

Contact helpline in case of:

Change in mental status, such as excessively drowsy during the day, not responding, speaking inappropriately
New onset of inability to recognise relative which he/she could do before.