The rapid spread of Covid-19 across the globe has resulted in countries suspending large gatherings and events. In Singapore, one of the communities immediately affected by this change is the seniors, who frequently participate in a wide range of recreational activities organised to enrich their lives. They are also the most affected, being the group most likely to fall seriously ill due to pre-existing medical conditions. In Italy, the average age of death from Covid-19 is 81, while 80 per cent of coronavirus-related deaths in China belonged to those 60 and above.
While a recent news article says that young adults now make up the largest group of Covid-19 infections in Singapore – overtaking those aged 60 and above – our elderly folk are still as vulnerable as ever to succumbing to the disease.
And with safe distancing measures in place, many (if not all) of their social activities have been taken off schedule. This may mean having to reconfigure their lifestyles temporarily and dealing with loneliness, as a majority of our elderly live alone.
Here are five key things we can do as a family member or community to help ah gong and popo get through this tricky period.