How to ease the burden of COVID-19 for over 70's

Now that our daily lives are being severely disrupted by COVID-19, we’d like to add our voice to those calling for maximum support for older people, who are facing the toughest of times over the coming weeks or months.

The government has announced that everyone must now self-isolate at home for up to 12 weeks in a bid to shield them from the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Whilst these measures might be necessary, there is no doubt that mental health issues and loneliness could become a real issue for some people. 

Moreover, the restrictions have thrown up massive practical issues for a section of society that includes many of our most vulnerable and those that are least equipped to deal with this emergency.

Many elderly people desperately searching empty shelves in supermarkets should be a wake-up call to us all.

Thankfully, there is plenty of evidence of communities pulling together care for the older population. 

Lovely stories are circulating about families, neighbours and even strangers making sure that self-isolating people have everything they need while they are unable to leave the house.

Offering to pick up some shopping, prescriptions or running errands are important as it ensures that people are less likely to take risks and leave the house themselves.

In addition to shopping drop-offs, maintaining regular contact and offering words of reassurance, comfort and advice are invaluable.

Whilst some people in their later years are now putting us to shame with their use of technology and social media tools, it should be acknowledged that many still prefer more traditional methods of communication.

This is why charities such as Age UK and The Campaign to End Loneliness are encouraging people to stay in touch through a range of options, from emails, letters and phonecalls through to Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp groups.

Another option is to join one of the local mutual aid groups that are springing up all over the UK.  As well as group listings, this site provides a range of resources and guides for the volunteer groups.

Similarly, neighbourhood app Nextdoor can be used to check if neighbours needs assistance.  On Nextdoor, you can create groups to bring your neighbours together to support anyone who is anxious or share accurate advice.

It often takes a crisis to show how important friendship and connection are in our lives, and how difficult it can be when they’re missing.  Unfortunately, there is a plethora of research showing that many in later living regularly experience protracted periods of isolation.  We hope that the silver lining of this crisis is that it is shining a light on the issue and sowing the seeds of community action to address it.   

After all, we are all in this together and we, for one, hope that this spirit of community will endure for years to come.

Useful links:

• NHS: Overview Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Age UK: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• WHO: Coronavirus Myth Busters