The impact of the pandemic on the elderly
The pandemic has affected people all over the world and not just those who get sick. It’s also had an impact on elderly people afraid to get the virus due to their vulnerable immune system, they are forced to avoid any contact with their loved ones; this affects their mental health.
According to the ministry of health, 60% of the elderly who got Covid died from complications. Also, there is a huge difference of risks between the elderly who live accompanied by other elderly than the ones that live with younger relatives. Younger relatives can expose the elderly to the virus yet they are able to handle their expenses financially since they have enough help to buy medicines and groceries; not all elderly people get this advantage.
Being not able to go out and follow the daily routine of taking care of themselves the elderly had to rely on their relatives’ help to pull through this pandemic.
In Ecuador, a lady who lives with her daughter tells her experience about how the pandemic has affected her and her family. After 7 months of being in lockdown, Alicia Barrera has come to reflect and understand the circumstances of her health being a priority in the middle of this pandemic.
She expend most of her time by herself during the lockdown, accompanied by her little black dog, Melcocha. During all those months of lockdown Barrera had the support of neighbors but she found herself alone most of the time. “Being alone was hard, I could barely do things to entertain myself,”said Barrera. “Since the death of my husband last summer, this pandemic changed my daily routine and forced me to stay inside.”
At the beginning of September she injured her back and had heart arrhythmias with low blood pressure, so she had to move into her daughter’s house. Under medical recommendation Barrera needed to be accompanied until her health improves.
Barrera didn’t want to be a burden for her family, she is always trying to help with house chores but her daughter won’t let her due to her delicate health. ” I love my independence,” said Barrera. ” I like to do my own thing and take care of myself and this pandemic has taken that right away from me.”
In Quito there are many regulations to go out, wearing masks and using rubbing alcohol are obligatory for everyone. But most people fail to wear the mask properly and avoid contaminating others. Veronica Zapata, Alicia’s daughter knows the risks for her 70-year-older mother. She makes home meals and finds different activities such as playing cards or walking in the park for her mother to enjoy.
“We don’t go out much, even If it is allowed by the government, we try to stay in to avoid getting my mother sick,” said Zapata. “I’m glad I can spend some time with her, we all agree to keep her safe.”
Alicia has come to enjoy the little things like the sun and walking in the garden. “To keep myself busy I watch TV and sometimes talk to my friends over the phone. Is always nice to know how they are doing and what they have been up to,” Barrera said.
With the Holidays around the corner Barrera wonders if she will be able to get together with her other daughters and granddaughters to celebrate.
“The love of my family has been fundamental,” said Barrera. “I really miss them, they are what keeps my soul young.”