COVID 19 Pandemic disrupted our normal lives and older people are the most vulnerable population in these tough times. These elderly people if infected, the odds of survival is lowest.
To save them from infection, the world shut and raised alarms on free social flow that made a huge impact on their life, they are likely to suffer from loneliness and lack of care. This become more worse when these elderly people are less digitally connected.
Globally if you see, the number of elderly people above age of 65 is growing a fast rate due to better healthcare, nutrition and sanitation.
WHO also called for a support for older people during COVID-19. Unfortunately there is on only one medicine on COVID that is social distancing. So older people needs to isolated.
In India, elderly people either stay with their extended family or alone.Living with extended family allow them to access health care service but some studies shows that it leaves them vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse.In India alone only 20% of elderly get pension, rest are dependent upon their children and that adds to mistreatment and considered as burden. Those elderly who are staying alone in this pandemic times need support for groceries and vegetables and other house hold items .
Way forward, what is needed in society to have a strong local system and SHGs and old People Associations , that take care of their needs and rights.
Essence is to include them in society and Pandemic has showed that we need a social cohesion in this times.
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