Lend a helping hand to seniors to keep them safe

This picture has been used for representational purpose

While cautious optimism is the way to go against Omicron, there is still the concern about Covid deaths of seniors hitting double digits recently. A report in this paper cited doctors as saying that most seniors were affected by the Delta variant, or that they were compromised by no vaccination. Some seniors have taken only one jab. While a detailed study is awaited, medicos have stated that in most deaths, Coronavirus had spread to the lungs or the lower respiratory tract. The report showed data from the BMC which said that the city had witnessed 69 deaths from January 1 to January 15. While 61 persons were aged 60 and above, the other eight were aged between 40 and 59.

Several reasons from unvaccinated persons to immunological weakness and comorbidities were cited as major reasons for death. There were some cases when the persons had come into hospital quite late.

Let us be extra careful with our seniors in the house. If living with the silver-haired set, one has more responsibility than ever to ensure masking everywhere and adherence to other Covid protocols. This should be the onus of the younger members in a home, given that the new variant is up to thrice as transmissible and the Delta variant has certainly not disappeared.

We must also be alert if there are any symptoms and quarantine at once, even before taking a test so risk is cut out. Do make tasks like paying bills or doing some chores easier for seniors, who may not be adept at negotiating an online world.

Some seniors do live alone, so neighbours or the housing committee can help out by being extra attentive; this way older persons are also reassured that they have somebody to reach out to. Our seniors are precious and an invaluable part of our society. Let us treat them with extra care during these difficult times.