Emotional wellbeing in seniors is often overlooked. As COVID-19 cases continue to soar around the world the elderly are the most vulnerable. The focus is primarily on precautions that help avoid the physical ailments of the pandemic. But here are a few of the challenges outside the gamut of the physical that are faced by senior citizens.
Physical challenges leading to mental stress
A number of seniors live with conditions and chronic ailments that make it impossible to manage household chores. Even someone with no health issues may find it difficult to manage their home single handed. They are dependent on domestic help coming and helping them out during the day.
The Sharma’s along with millions other Indians, were caught off guard with the sudden lockdown announcement. Mrs. Sharma was bedridden, recovering from back surgery and their part time help was not allowed in by their apartment complex. It was next to impossible for Sharma to manage caregiving as well as all the household chores. On the other hand, Mr. Singha always went for a shower when his cook came to work. After a previous fall, he needed the mental reassurance that there is help at hand incase he slipped in the bathroom. Without anyone coming during the day, his insecurities grew as he obsessed with how he would manage in case of an emergency.
A large number of seniors found themselves in a similar predicament. With flights and trains cancelled and borders sealed, children had no way of getting to their elderly parents. As a result, home health care providers were inundated with requests for attendants and found it difficult to keep up with the demand. Others pondered about the wisdom of letting in anyone into the house when all advisory pointed to self-isolation being the best way of prevention. How do you cope on your own without any support? Now with rules easing up, is it advisable to have help coming in and out of the house? What precautions can you take? All these thoughts and anxieties along with not being able to cope physically has contributed towards the mental stress in seniors.
Loneliness affects emotional wellbeing in seniors
Loneliness is the most common affliction among seniors. But the prolonged absence of any interaction has intensified its effects on a larger populace. This isolation has resulted in depression, self-neglect and in some cases poor nutrition.
Mrs. Das enjoyed her evening walk every day. She would stroll with friends and then sit with them on the park bench and enjoy chatting and watching the little kids play. Ever since the lockdown she has not left her house and suffers from anxiety looking at the corona cases around her on the rise. Most seniors are prone to psycho-social vulnerability, especially at times of lockdown and quarantine. Loneliness, anxiety and uncertainty can give rise to depressive disorders, insomnia and chronic stress. Grief and bereavement due to loss or distancing from their loved ones can be major stress. They are also at increased risk for post-traumatic stress syndrome, if the stress is prolonged.
Research shows us that anxiety and isolation exact a physical toll on the brain’s circuitry. It increases the vulnerability to disease. This is because it can trigger higher blood pressure and heart rates, stress hormones and inflammation even among people who might otherwise not get sick. People affected with dementia might have behavioural problems and wandering tendencies that can add to challenges of keeping them isolated at times of such outbreak. While being cautious is necessary, make sure that you do not completely isolate yourself from the outside world, especially if you are a senior citizen. If you are getting depressed or feeling low, ensure you talk to someone. There is no embarrassment or awkwardness in admitting that you may need help.
Tips for Emotional Wellbeing in Seniors
1. ‘Physical distancing’ should be followed rather than social distancing. Regular telephone and video calls with an elderly relative can help to ensure adequate emotional support. Grandparents can schedule calls for story/reading time with their grandchildren. If you have an elderly neighbour, share your number and get theirs to check on them regularly. You could also offer to pick up any essentials they may need when you head out to the market.
2. Even though it is better to avoid going out or meeting too many people, you can take precautions and start going for a short walk, as long as the place you walk is not crowded. Proper disposable or washed and disinfected masks and washing hands are an additional effort necessary to ensure hand and respiratory hygiene.
3. It is better to avoid hospital set-ups during the pandemic. Tele-consultations have been started by most places. All elective surgeries like cataract, hernia or knee-replacements (unless complicated) are better postponed.
4. Dr. Anitha Chandra, Consultant Geriatric Psychiatrist, NMT, has advised seniors not to obsessively track corona figures. While everyone should be updated for their own safety, resist from dwelling on only this problem. The status of the pandemic and necessary precautions need to be explained in simple terms, especially for those with sensory or cognitive difficulties.
5. Those in isolation or quarantine need special care: telephonic counselling, digital contact with family and ensuring adequate nutrition is vital.
6. Family members need to be sensitive to the early symptoms of COVID-19 and testing if needed should be promptly done. This however, should not give rise to panic, self-isolation and stigma. Medical advice is the best choice for any clarification. Never self-medicate with any drug (antivirals, hydroxycholoroquine, any herbal supplement or quick remedies doing the rounds on social media) as preventive or curative strategies for COVID-19. It can be life-threatening. It’s better to seek a physician’s opinion.
7. Psycho-social issues are vital and families need to be sensitive to them. It is natural to be stressed, but signs of excessive panic, depression, sleep problems or suicidality need urgent attention from a qualified mental health professional.
8. Include seniors in decision making even in times of crisis. Their rights, self-respect and dignity must be preserved and protected. There could be things to learn from their experience and wisdom.
Do you have a story to share? Are you someone going through or know someone going through something similar. Do you have further insights on the emotional wellbeing of seniors that you would like to share with our reader? Leave us a comment or mail us on info@unmukt.in
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