With the coronavirus pandemic making things difficult by the day, it is nothing out of the odds for citizens across the states to get panicky. Barbara Figge Fox, who’s all of 79, went shopping for essential commodities. She stepped in four stores in New Jersey to fetch her daily dose of fresh fruits, yogurt, canned goods, paper towels, and more. She admitted how fearful she was while venturing out. Her daughter Susannah had repeatedly warned her to abide by all the norms of social distancing and stay indoors.
This ‘irrational impulsivity’ surrounding COVID 19 is no surprise. We all know how those above the 60 years are at a higher risk than their younger counterparts. However, do all adults over 60 need to worry while heading to shops, restaurants, or a friend’s place? According to prominent geriatricians, people over 60 need to take precautions of the highest level to ward off the possibilities of getting affected.
Be Aware Of The Numbers
Going by the data derived from China, COVID 19 has resulted in 80% of deaths among people who are 60 and above. Besides, about 53% admitted in intensive care units, and over 45% of hospital admissions belonged to this age group. Those above 85 were the worst sufferers.
Then, some patients were already battling kidney ailments, heart diseases, and diabetes. In most cases, these people became critically ill after they got the infection and died.
The cases are still piling up. There is no certainty about how many patients over 60 would finally recover. One thing is clear- adults whose immune systems are considerably compromised will not be able to put up an active resistance against the coronavirus. Here’s what you should do if you are over 60 years old.
Exercise Caution
Since they conduct only a few tests periodically, no one can predict the rate at how the virus seems to move across communities. Adding to the woes is that there’s very little information on how it spreads. This is precisely the reason why physicians emphasize the need to act more cautiously.
Haven’t we heard of asymptomatic cases? Making matters worse are others who have no idea if they contracted the virus until they’re affected massively. Unknowingly, both groups stand high chances of transmitting the virus, which often thrives well on hard surfaces like shelves, racks, door handles, and more.
Don’t Neglect Your Health.
If you wish to assess personal risks, you must consider whether you are ‘FRAIL’ or not. This recommendation comes from several physicians after a few questioning a few patients for conducting a survey. FRAIL stands for: F – Fatigue (check whether you’re highly fatigued), R- Resilience (can you climb several stairs?), A- aerobic (can you walk a lot or not?), I – Illnesses, L- loss of weight. If you score positive for five and more, you need to worry. If the score is three, then ‘self-isolation’ is the key.
Senior citizens undoubtedly are in the risk zone. However, the disease has a lot to do with your health – a lot more than your age.
Assess The Risks
Older adults must follow all the guidelines as prescribed by the state, federal government, and also local health departments. Most geriatricians suggest resorting to some necessary precautionary measures, regardless of one’s age or where they live. For example, while visiting the store, it’s wiser to wear cloth gloves, since the virus can barely survive on soft surfaces. If you can, steer clear of smartphones when venturing out. After all, these gadgets have a hard-plastic surface on which the virus can live longer.
If you have seniors at home and you are especially worried about them, it’s quite natural. However, instead of preaching them what to do and what not to, ask the senior family members what exactly they feel regarding the virus or if they’ve made any plans ready.
Whether you are above 60 or not, take good care of your health and follow basic hygiene. This is a golden period to take a break from social media sites and all those TV news channels breaking sensational stories now and then. Doing regular workouts is highly recommended. Also, sleep well. You must also take care of your spiritual needs. Read a few books, cook something new or talk to an old friend if you feel bored at home.