Keep vulnerability in mind, care more, docs urge elderly

DIET, EXERCISE CRUCIAL

Keep vulnerability in mind, care more, docs urge elderly

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:04.08.2020

Until recently, most public health officials warned older adults to simply stay at home to beat Covid-19. Now, with the city slowly reopening, things are getting more complicated for senior citizens. Geriatricians say while following golden pandemic rules — social distance, mask and hygiene — the elderly must maintain a healthy diet and exercise.

“This can have mental and emotional benefits. Morning walks on the terrace, yoga and breathing exercises can help,” said senior geriatrician Dr V S Natarajan.

Doctors also insist that elders keep their blood sugars and hypertension under control. “Not skipping medicines is one way. It is also important for caregivers to keep doctors informed about symptoms the elderly experience,” he said.

Amidst the ongoing pandemic, one thing that is irrefutable is that the highest rate of fatalities is among the elderly. While there is no evidence that shows increased risk of Covid-19 for people above 60 years compared to younger adults, medical records across hospitals show that when people over 60 are infected, they are more likely to have severe and life-threatening symptoms. Health department statistics show that nearly 60% of the deaths were among the elderly.

“Older people with underlying medical conditions are at particularly high risk,” said senior liver transplant surgeon Dr Mohammed Rela, who heads Dr Rela Institute of Medical Sciences. “People above the age of 60 walking in with breathlessness invariably have complications and require intensive care,” he said.

Recently, a 70-year-old man, with chest congestion, and his 45-year-old daughter, with more severe symptoms, were admitted to Stanley Medical College Hospital. In a couple of days, the oxygen requirement for the woman dropped, but the father required high pressure (non-invasive) ventilation. While the woman has been discharged, the father is still in intensive care. Intensivists say seniors fare poorly in intensive care units. “Most of the time, they don’t eat well or co-operate much when they don’t see their kin. They also give up on the fight quickly,” said a senior intensivist at the Stanley Hospital.