Let’s Not Shut Out The Old

The Indian Express     26th August 2020     Save    

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