Dignity Amid Covid

Context: Mental and physical well-being of the elderly requires particular focus during the pandemic.

Pandemic Induced Elderly Abuse

• Pandemic has increased the mortality and morbidity among the elderly
• Nearly 25% of COVID-19 deaths include more than 55 years old. - Centre for Disease Control data.
• Disproportionate Effect of Covid-19 safety and prevention strategies: on their lives, especially in matters relating to healthcare access.
• Strong intergenerational ties and issues related to living arrangements makes physical distancing difficult for older persons. 
• Elders have difficulty in accessing food, water and basic services during social distancing.
• Elderly are more vulnerable to abuse and mistreatment when living with the extended family.
• Technology and internet connectivity accessibility limits their access to essential care, services, and important information.
•  In India, only 7% of older people have smartphones. 
• Low literacy rate among elder segment, further limits their access to technology and important information.
• Lack of access 
• To healthcare services aggravates physical disabilities, hinder the effective management of communicable diseases and lead to mental ill-health problems amongst the elderly. 

• COVID-related restrictions have reduced access to medical check-ups.

• To pension benefits offered by the relief package due to limitations in access to technology and information.
• Financial dependency has increased due to the precarious nature of the economic work of older persons and inadequate salaries.

Conclusion: Healthcare schemes, Tele/home-based health care check-ups and direct subsidies to pensioners could ensure the right of a dignified life for the elderly.