Protecting geriatric Indian population from the consequences of social distancing in COVID-19

Abstract

In this pandemic of COVID-19, the whole world is suffering a lot. The disease which originated from the city of Wuhan, China is at the verge of destroying the whole world. Scientists from all over the world are engaged in developing the vaccine, yet no positive results have been found. The only way to prevent this disease is social distancing and therefore, for this reason countries around the world are forced to impose lockdown and curfews. In long lockdown period, our elders are facing many psychological troubles. At this stage they already struggle with various physical ailments and this social distancing are adding up more psychological problems for them. Due to their weak immunity at this age they have been advised to take extra care and follow strictly the rules of social distancing. This is leading to various mental illnesses like stress disorders, anxiety disorders and depression etc. Many studies support that an increasing number of geriatric people are living alone and are at risk of being socially isolated (Victor et al. 2002, Savikko et al. 2005, Sundstrom et al. 2009). Through this paper, an attempt has been made to explain how social distancing creates psychological illnesses and what measures should be taken to ensure that this social distancing does not become a social isolation for the elders and they can live with a hope and positivity.