Advice for Elderly People During the Lockdown

Older people need support more than ever at this time. It's they who are most at risk, and also those who must, in many countries, apply the strictest measures. However, this period can also be a pleasant one if the right decisions are made.

Written and verified by the doctor Leonardo Biolatto.

Last update: 09 October, 2022

Older people around the world have certainly had a higher stress load in recent weeks. No one was prepared to face such drastic measures and a situation that completely changes everyday life and restricts all our movements. In this article, we’re here to give you some advice about how to help elderly people during the lockdown.

Older people, as well as those suffering from certain diseases, carry the greatest risk of suffering the dangerous effects of COVID-19 and therefore bear the greatest psychological burden in this situation. It is they, in particular, who must totally adhere to the restrictions. The most important rule of all is that they shouldn’t leave their homes.

This is indisputable. Staying at home is the fundamental measure for protecting older people (and all of us, of course). However, this can become an additional source of distress if not managed properly.

Confinement is not easy to cope with, but with a positive attitude, it can even be enjoyable. Here are some tips to make the situation a little easier.

Advice for elderly people during the lockdown

Reducing exposure: a crucial step for older people

All available scientific evidence, as well as the experience gained in several countries around the world, shows that the most effective measure to prevent contagion is isolation. Avoiding contact with others is important for everyone, but especially for older people.

So, let’s look at the positives first. By staying at home, they’ll be able to prevent contagion, and that’s encouraging. This, then, is something that older people should hold on to. It’s their passport to be able to continue to enjoy their lives and to be there for all those who love and need them.

Understand that this is temporary

Remember: the lockdown measures are temporary and help to limit the spread of the virus. In other words, this will slow down the speed at which it spreads, and will make the situation more controllable. The isolation won’t last forever. The more people comply with the rules, the more likely it is that everything will end sooner.

When it seems that isolation is becoming too hard to bear, then remember that it will be a temporary situation of a maximum of two or three months. So, what you need to do is to set your mind to making the best use of that time. That way, the whole experience will soon become a distant memory.

Make wise use of your time

It’s a good idea to plan a routine that fits the new situation. It’s common for people who spend a lot of time at home to start to become lazy. You shouldn’t allow this to happen. You need to try to fill your time with positive activities that are easy to carry out.

It’s important not to change the normal schedules for sleeping and eating. Try to get up in the morning at the same time, take a shower if you like, have your breakfast, and get ready for a new day. Don’t be tempted to stay in your pajamas and sit in front of the TV all day channel hopping!

What to do during the lockdown

There are many answers to this question. However, in general, one can say that it depends on one’s tastes, interests, and hobbies. A good idea is to start by making a list of activities that have been pending for some time and that can be done at home. For example, organizing the closet, your books, or to finish off a job you’ve been meaning to do for a while are all great options.

Whenever possible, this is also a good time to continue with hobbies that you’ve maybe left out of your normal routine. For example, writing, drawing, knitting, painting, or gardening. Writing a journal in which you record your thoughts about the whole experience can be very helpful for sorting out your ideas and can be quite a release.

Keeping in touch with elderly people during the lockdown

It’s important for older people to keep in touch with their families or acquaintances. Staying at home doesn’t mean cutting off all ties. Phones, the Internet, and the media are there to prevent that.

This is, perhaps, an opportunity to familiarize yourself a little more with some technological devices that you can use to keep in contact with people. It’s a good idea to contact people that you know to ask them how they are and to let them know how you’re doing. Look into the possibility of creating a network or group to keep in touch daily, and to help each other, if necessary.

For elderly people during the lockdown, it’s also good to keep up to date with the news through the radio, newspaper, or television, and to be aware of how the situation is progressing. However, make sure to not let yourself get carried away and only pay attention to the most reliable sources. It’s also important to watch and read light and fun things!

Finally, it’s important to remember that each day that you get through in this isolation period is another great achievement – it’s one less day till the lockdown is lifted!