The COVID-19 outbreak has posed serious threat to the health and well being of elders. Now, they are forced to stay indoors with little to no means for entertainment or socialisation. Besides the physical difficulties, the pandemic has affected their mental health too. Medical experts say that elders require extra care and support is the pandemic subsides. Here are some tips to keep them happy and healthy.
* Do not hesitate to take elders on small trips as it would gift them happy moments.
* Earlier, elders used to enjoy a stroll in the mornings or evenings. However, they aren’t able to continue it due to the pandemic. Small strolls could help them stay fit and stress-free too.
* Following a healthy diet and lifestyle is significant in the post-pandemic world. Make sure to include lots of veggies and fruits in the daily diet. It is better to avoid fatty food items.
* Regular health checkups should be continued. Blood pressure and diabetes should be checked at regular intervals.
* Attending family functions and events when the pandemic isn’t too severe would make the elders happy. Meanwhile, we should find time to visit old relatives at their homes.
* This is the time to do minor surgeries like cataract surgery or dental surgeries that they had postponed due to COVID-19.
* COVID-19 had taught us the significance of hygiene. Make sure to follow the safety protocols while visiting your elder relatives.
* Most people are vaccinated against COVID-19. Elders could consider taking the influenza and pneumonia vaccines too.
* Earlier, elders used to engage in activities like gardening. However, after the pandemic outbreak, many of them aren’t healthy enough to indulge in hobbies that require physical effort. But elders could try their hands in minor hobbies like taking care of aquarium, birds or indoor plants. Make sure to restrict the screen time to less than 2 hours.
Information courtesy: Dr. Jino Joy, Consultant Geriatrician, Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi.
