Lockdown makes lives of elderly more lonely

Lockdown makes lives of elderly more lonely

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Kochi:  12.07.2020

Life has never been easy for this octogenarian couple living in a gated community on Karshaka Road since the announcement of lockdown. The couple say that they have been living a lifeless life with hardly any visitors and no outings.

“We are confined to the house. Entertainment is confined to television, internet and reading. Our children live in other cities and we talk to them over phone,” said Gopal Krishna Kurup, who retired from Hindustan Newsprint Ltd.

He said though people are generally helpful, he has difficulties in getting some of his supplies, especially ayurvedic medicines. “We are also not able to go to banks. Shopkeepers and others deliver us provisions and medicines,” he said.

Similar is the situation of another couple in Kaloor. The man is 72-years-old, while his wife is 70.

George Korah, the secretary of Kairali apartments in Panampilly Nagar said they have 72 flats in the complex and 45% of these flats are occupied by senior citizens. They said the elderly people have adjusted to the lockdown and restrictions.

“The problem is senior citizens are forced to depend on others. Other than health workers, we do not allow visitors. The restrictions have affected their well-being. There are very healthy people above the age of

70. Why should they be confined to the house,” he said. However, he agreed that these restrictions are imposed for the safety of elderly people. “I see it in a good spirit though there are inconveniences. We have to take care of ourselves. Medicines and provisions are delivered to them regularly,” he added.