Old Age Stresses in Lockdown

Image credits: pixabay.com 

With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown in India, tensions have been running high, particularly among the old age community. Early studies and tests have confirmed that while the virus can affect young and middle-aged people, most severe cases are seen among people over the age of 60, with fatal results seen in those aged 80 and above. One must also take into account pre-existing medical conditions that people develop due to lack of immunity as they grow older. This lack of immunity makes them susceptible to viruses and infections, especially ones like the COVID-19 that don’t have a vaccine or a known cure yet. Suffering from conditions commonly linked to old age like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and respiratory disorders only increase the risk of deaths in older populations. Surely, this knowledge has had an impact on people. 

“I get very anxious sometimes, and I worry about when will this get over, how this will affect the future of our children and grandchildren,” says Dinesh Shetty, a contractor, aged 61. To combat the worry and boredom, he says: “as a family, we watch Ramayan together; I spend time on my phone, listening to old music and checking the stock market sometimes.” 

These are stressful times, but the lockdown gives us added time to work on our skills and do the things we have always wanted to do, he says. “I practise my mouth organ and harmonica when I can. I am a movie enthusiast, so I spend time watching movies as well.”

Routines help

Having practised a routine for years, staying at home isn’t that much of a task, says Seethamma, a widow. “When I heard about the lockdown, my first thought was about my son’s safety and I prayed that he would be alright. I am not too worried about myself because I have lived alone for many years and need very little to take care of myself,” she says. Her son, who practices medicine in Chennai, intended to come back just before the quarantine was announced but wasn’t able to because of the risks that travelling posed. This greatly saddened her, she says. When asked about access to essentials, she talks about her neighbours’ generosity. “People here bring me vegetables and milk every two days if I cannot get them for myself.” 

“I believe that many old people living in urban homes aren’t directly affected by the lockdown but worry about its effect on their loved ones,” Seethamma says. 

Alisha Krishnan, an undergraduate student from Bangalore, talks about how her grandparents are coping with the lockdown situation. “My grandparents generally don't do much besides watching the news and talking to my uncle who lives in the US, and they have done this for years now so that hasn't changed.” 

If a need arises, access to healthcare is not a problem since doctors can come home if there are any emergencies, she says. “Our helpers also stay with us now, so they are around to take care of my grandparents.” 

Family time

Pradeep Mohan, a 67-year-old retired veterinary doctor, has a rather unusual but endearing take on this lockdown. “I’m happier than usual now because my grandchildren are all at home, so I spend the entire day, teaching them, helping them study and playing with them. Since our whole family revolves around our grandkids, every day is fun with them around.” 

“My elder daughter is a doctor, so we don’t have to worry about access to medicines. As for groceries, my daughter-in-law orders them online, so we have enough to get by without worry,” he says. 

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for old people from all sections of society. For many, securing basic amenities is still a struggle and the very thought of getting themselves checked at a hospital for the coronavirus is acutely distressing, particularly so if they suffer from underlying disorders. It is, therefore, important for us as a community to shield the population aged 60 and above in times like these and do what we can to protect and help them.