Let’s Not Shut Out The Old

Context: The pandemic has highlighted humanity’s dilemma of what to do with older people, a tussle between their Safety vs Wellbeing.

Reasons for Isolating Older People: in light of safety measures amidst Pandemic

• Most vulnerable persons during the Pandemic: Their odds of survival are the lowest

• Political compulsions to protect them: 

• For, E.g. Zanzibar’s constitution directs the government to set aside money to maintain a good home for older people.

Concerns related to their isolation: as it affects their wellbeing in numerous ways.

• They are likely to suffer from neglect, lack of care for other ailments, and loneliness.

• Older people want to add more life to their years, not more years to their life.

• They prefer to stay with Family: For, E.g. the presence of under-used older people home in Zanzibar because older people would rather stay with their families.
• High death rates in care and nursing homes: Nearly half of all deaths from COVID-19  even though less than 1 per cent of people live in them.

• Harmful effects of Lockdown:

• Other medical problems are often not attended.
• Starvation.
• Migrants struggle.

Way Forward: 

• Ensure collaboration rather than neglect: Collaboration has enabled many communities to prevent the spread of the pandemic, as well as taken care of other needs of their members