How does COVID-19 affect the elderly?
All age groups are at risk of contracting the novel Coronavirus; but the elderly and those with chronic diseases are more likely to develop complications with the disease.
Recommendations for the elderly to protect themselves from the risks of contracting COVID-19:
- Stay home and avoid gatherings and crowds.
- Avoid contact with individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, and use a hand sanitizer after sneezing or coughing, as well as before cooking or eating food.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who show symptoms.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for 40 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer instead.
- If you have a chronic disease, make sure you take the prescribed medications as scheduled.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects at home, either using regular household cleaners, or diluted bleach. Use 250 ml (1 cup) of water for every 5ml (1 teaspoon) of bleach. Never mix bleach with other chemical products and use it only in well-ventilated areas.
- Use mobile applications to order food and medicine.
- Use smartphone applications to get your medicine.
- Avoid going to mosques.
If an older adult has to leave home, he or she must:
- Stay outdoors or in well-ventilated areas;
- Keep a safe distance from others (at least 2 meters);
- Avoid large groups and crowded areas;
- Avoid sharing food and tableware.
Family members and caregivers of older adults must take the following tips into account:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 40 seconds when you are visiting elderly individuals or returning home to them.
- Pay more attention to the personal hygiene of your elderly family members.
- Do not share food or tableware with elderly people.
- Ensure that the rooms where older people are staying are kept clean and well ventilated.
- Call 937 if you notice an elderly having respiratory symptoms, regardless of their severity.
- Refrain from coming into close contact with the elderly if you feel sick and seek proper health care.
- Refrain from having close physical contact with the elderly for 14 days if you have just returned from abroad.
Dealing with stress:
Elderly people, and people of any age with serious underlying health conditions, are more likely to have complications when infected with COVID-19. Thinking about this can cause feelings of fear and anxiety in the elderly.
Recommendations for psychological support:
- Take a break from watching, reading or listening to news and social media. Frequently listening to pandemic news can be upsetting.
- Do relaxation exercises such as stretching or meditation.
- Maintain physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, and try to do some other activities that you enjoy.
- Eat healthy, balanced meals, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and avoid smoking.
- Talk to people you trust about your concerns.
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