Many people, including many older adults, have a stoic or nonchalant attitude about the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical that people of all ages, especially older adults, care about the pandemic, follow health advice from the authorities and protect themselves, their families and their communities.
Why older adults are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 disease
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved to affect people of all ages, certain people remain particularly at risk for COVID-19 infection and complications. This higher risk group of people are older adults aged 65 years and older, as well as people with certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.
It is believed that older people are more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness due to a gradual deterioration of their immune system with age. This makes it more difficult for them to fight infections. In addition, older adults often have underlying medical conditions which increase the risk of serious COVID-19 disease.
Contracting COVID-19 not only places you in danger, but impacts the people around you
If you're an older adult, it may be tempting to adopt a "come what may" or "I'm old so it doesn't matter" attitude. However, it's important to keep in mind that contracting the virus and becoming seriously ill will not only affect you but will impact your family and friends. This will also increase the burden on the health system and potentially increase the spread of the virus to other members of the community and healthcare professionals. One of the most tragic consequences of severe COVID-19 cases is that the person infected and their loved ones often don't get to say goodbye to each other.
Stay safe, be responsible and protect yourself and your community
For the world to effectively manage the COVID-19 crisis, each individual needs to take responsibility for their own health and encourage those around them to do the same.
It is especially important for older adults to do everything they can to stay healthy. Keeping up to date with coronavirus guidelines and following the regulations that have been designed to protect all of us is another important aspect.
You can protect yourself, your loved ones, your community and the healthcare system by:
- Staying home and following social distancing and isolation measures advised by the World Health Organization and the South African government
- Avoiding close contact, washing your hands frequently and regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you touch often
- Maintaining good overall health by eating healthily, staying active at home and getting enough sleep
- Managing chronic medical conditions by taking your medications and contacting your doctor if you have any problems
- Keeping up to date with vaccinations, particularly the annual flu shot
- Reporting symptoms to your doctor if you become ill
- Reaching out for help with groceries, medications or anything else you need assistance with. Ask friends and family for help with this. There are also many retailers, pharmacies and service providers available to support you and ensure you have everything you need during lockdown and beyond.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Older adults.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/older-adults.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - What to do if you are sick.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fsteps-when-sick.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults.
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/covid19-guidance.html
World Health Organization (WHO). Supporting older people during the COVID 19 pandemic is everyone's business.
http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/news/news/2020/4/supporting-older-people-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-is-everyones-business
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