Tips for Senior Citizens to Stay Healthy During Coronavirus Lockdown

Times are difficult. We have entered the third phase of lockdown due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. And health experts are saying ‘older people are more likely to contract the disease.’  So, driving our attention towards the ones who need it most during such times, are the senior citizens.

This is because their immune system may not be as strong as the youngster's one. Therefore, the potential danger of the novel coronavirus has left many older people worried. 

But despite all the difficulties we are facing and no control over certain risk factors like old age, it is imperative that we adopt all the possible measures to help seniors stay healthy and safe. Yes, we have possible solutions to keep our elderly safe and healthy during the lockdown. 

Here are smart tips to follow during coronavirus lockdowns. They are extremely helpful and beneficial for senior citizens. 

1. Feed Them Healthy to Stay Fit

It is a must for elderly people to stay on track when it comes to diet, and this is where you must help them. You can help elderly people procure basic groceries during the coronavirus lockdown. You can offer them simple and fresh home-cooked meals (canned and processed food must be avoided). 

You can let them add in their diet green vegetables, pulses, and seasonal fruits like mango, watermelon, and honeydew melon as they work as antioxidants. 

You can also recommend them other foods like egg white, paneer made from low-fat milk, vegetable soup without cream, milk, and soya. This will be beneficial for senior citizens. 

Also, you can help them make a habit of drinking at least 3 litres of water every day. This will help them maintain good health. 

2. Buy Health Insurance Policy for Them

Having a health insurance policy that covers coronavirus disease is essential. Look for an adequate cover for older people. There are plans in the market that can provide complete coverage against the coronavirus pandemic. This way, they will be financially strong.

3. Help Them Do Some Easy Exercises Regularly

A little but regular exercise is sure to benefit not only the elderly people but all. There are many easy exercises that senior citizens can do to stay fit and happy. But the most basic of all is simply walking around the home. Besides, you can help them do some stretching exercises as this also helps elderly people stay active. 

4. Help Them Keep The Brain Active

Not only physical activities, but some mind games can also be of great help to keep senior citizens active as well as engaged. You can play with them some games they like such as Sudoku, Carrom, Ludo, Chess, Crossword puzzles, etc. 

Other ways to keep them engaged is watching their favorite shows on the television, engaging in conversations they like or discussing current topics with them. This will make them happy and will go a long way in keeping them healthy during the lockdown.  

5. Keep A Check On Them Daily 

If the elderly people you love live far from your place, then you need to take even more care of them. This is because staying away from the loved ones can be difficult for them especially in a case where they are already suffering from a pre-existing disease. 

So, it becomes important to check upon them quite a few times in a day. You can call them, or even visit them if they live in your vicinity. Either way, make sure you are ready to lend a helping hand in case a health emergency arises. 

6. Stay Prepared For Every Situation

Stay prepared with your actions in case any elderly in your family feels sick or develops the coronavirus symptoms. Make sure you have in stock all the medicines they take. Also, you should be ready if the situation demands to call the doctor at your place. 

Save the doctor’s number in your phone and keep a note of doctors in your vicinity. In case hospitalisation is required, you must have a mode of transport that makes it easier for the patient to visit the hospital during the lockdown. 

Read here: Coronavirus Symptoms and Precautions in India

7. Keep Yourselves And Your Surroundings Clean

Make it a habit to wash hands often with soap and water for around 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Also, assist the older people in washing their hands properly. Ensure that the homes of the elderly people are disinfected regularly, especially electronics and other commonly used items like doorknobs, remote, and table.

8. Help Them Download The Aarogya Setu App

Not every older individual is familiar with today’s technology. But those using a smartphone can be guided about the latest updates about the coronavirus disease through the Aarogya Setu App in their smartphone. This will encourage them for their self-assessment test and will keep them motivated to keep themselves healthy. 

Also Read

Aarogya Setu App Launched by the Government to Track Coronavirus Infections

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Conclusion

Elderly people must stay at home as much as possible. You should make sure they follow the tips above with more diligence in order to stay protected. 

Do your bit if you are living with elderly people or know anyone residing near you so that the virus does not turn severe for those with a compromised immune system. 

Not to forget, keep yourself protected too. 

Remember the quote by Paulo Coelho, “When you say ‘yes’ to others, make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.”

For information about health insurance for coronavirus, get in touch with us at 7551 1969 89.
Stay healthy, stay safe!