‘Teach elderly benefits of technology to maintain mental well-being’

Manav Mander
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 25

In the present scenario of widespread Covid pandemic, it is important that elderly people, especially above 60 years of age, should be properly taken care of.

Dr Dinesh Jain, professor of medicine at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, said senior citizens were susceptible of having weak immunity with advancing years so it was strongly advisable that caregivers for such people should adopt certain measures if they displayed symptoms such as fever (with or without bodyache), new onset of symptoms, continuous cough, shortness of breath, unusually poor appetite and inability to eat.

Caregivers should keep in mind

• Wash hands before helping the elderly persons
• Cover your face properly with mask while attending to senior citizens
• Clean surfaces of walking cane, walker, wheelchair, bedpan, etc, which are frequently used
• Assist the elderly persons and help them in washing hands
• Ensure proper food and water intake by senior citizens
• Monitor the health of the elderly

“Senior citizens are advised not to step out of their house and isolate themselves at home. They can easily interact with other family members by adopting proper Covid-related precautions. To keep their mental well-being in better shape, they can rediscover old hobbies such as painting, reading and listening to music,” Dr Jain added.

Proper nutrition of the elders should be ensured through home-cooked food, fresh meals, maintaining hydration levels in the body, giving fresh juices and adequate amount of water to boost immunity.

City-based clinical psychiatrist Dr Rajeev said elderly people, who had an active lifestyle, were likely to feel lonely as they were missing their walks, chat sessions and evening tea talks with their friends.

“The biggest fear during lockdown is to be left alone. Grandchildren can teach grandparents the benefits of technology and help them set up online chat group sessions, book spiritual classes among other activities. If anybody’s parents are living alone, it becomes the responsibility of the caregivers to book their doctor’s online appointments and get groceries, medicines and other essential items to them,” added Dr Rajeev.