The need for social distancing as a means for survival has put the entire human race into a quandary. The human race is a social animal, and contact with others is much needed for our survival. Who can deny the feeling of happiness when someone hugs you, or shake hands with you. And yet for the last two years due to Covid 19, this pleasure is absent from our lives, because for keeping the disease at bay this was required.
For senior citizens, socializing is the only bright part of their lives. Warm hugs and simple gatherings are a great refuge from the rigmaroles of fast-paced lives led by their families. For whom the children and grandchildren are living in other states or countries, it has become tougher. Since the mortality rates are seen to be high among the seniors, they are time and again requested by authorities to not step out and stay safe. The following paragraphs are applicable to seniors, on the SOCIAL DISTANCING which is still to be followed, as Covid is still prevailing in the country.
While initially, there were panic and teething issues, the issues of getting grocery/vegetables/medicines to your home are not there now, as in most of the places these services are available. There are helplines to assist you on this issue. Presently, many states have eased restrictions a lot as well. However, where seniors are concerned, it is important to keep up the vigil, stay indoors as much as possible, use home deliveries, etc.
The Solution
Most of the seniors have realized that they are not allowed to go out and meet people, nor allowed to invite people into their houses. This does not mean that they cannot talk to the people around them. There are neighbours, and other people in the community and the housing complexes, with whom they are able to interact, from a safe distance. With their family and relatives who are far off, they can make calls, or even try video calls. This is the best way to keep socially connected with your near & dear ones and maintain relationships, and still keep social distancing norms.
When the Covid started, after a few months because of social distancing norms, many senior citizens went into depression because their lifestyle simply went for a toss, as they were unable to cope with the loneliness, especially seniors who were staying alone, as they were not used to modern technologies like making video calls through smartphones, downloading shopping apps on their smartphones, and many other activities which can be done with the help of smartphones. Now one can make group video calls, where other families member can join the call. Now if senior is not conversant with making this group, he can very well request some younger family member to form the group and invite them to be part of that group. Most of the seniors now getting the hang of all these, and can enjoy their life, with safe distancing norms in place. There are many OTT channels like Netflix, Prime Video and, many more where one can watch movies, web series from all over the world. One can download these apps on a smartphone and utilize their free time in watching the programmes.
Emotional Lows
As per experts, many of the seniors initially went into depression because of the problems faced by them, as mentioned above. They advised that it is always important to be in touch with people, and reach out for help if you feel that there is any issue. It is always better to keep one’s mind active, by following regular schedules including exercising. Please keep yourself always occupied so that low feeling is not there.
As theCovid pandemic is still not over, please ensure that the guidelines which are issued by authorities are followed Secondly, if one is on medication, please do not miss taking the same, as this can lead to some health issues, and emergency hospital visits are not as easy as they were earlier. Seniors must feed all the local emergency numbers into their phones for use in any untoward situation. Even if travel within your city is allowed, it is essential that seniors must take extreme care and venture out only if it is essential.
These are few tips for seniors, which can be useful during the present times. Some of these tips can hold true for even younger generation working from home, to avoid depression.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
8th February 2022