Lockdown is a difficult situation for all age groups but in particular the elderly. Over half of people aged 75 and over live alone, so they will be stuck inside with no company during lockdown, and this could have negative impacts on their mental health. Not only this, but a lot of elderly people will struggle to access essential items when in self-isolation and if they don’t have help from family and friends or access to technology it could be even more difficult for them. To find out what it is like, I spoke to 2 different households over the age of 75 about how lockdown is affecting them.

 

Firstly, I asked what they had been up to so far during lockdown. ‘My friend reminded me of knitting and so far I have made two dishcloths and a duster!’ ‘I use my iPad to play games with a friend, I do crosswords, watch television, do gardening, groom our dogs and I speak with family and friends on the phone’.

 

Secondly, I asked if there was anything they used to do before lockdown that they no longer can. ‘My partner used to do exercising twice a week and that has stopped for now.’ ‘I can’t take my dogs on a walk with family, go shopping, go for meals out, meet family and friends or go for trips down to the coast anymore’.

 

Thirdly, I asked if they had been receiving any extra help during lockdown e.g. from family and friends and how they were accessing essential items. ‘My friends and family have been asking if there is anything we need. I have a Tesco priority slot and I also received help from the council as they delivered a box of goodies.’ ‘I have two daughters who deliver us shopping and I have also had offers of help from neighbours. I mostly access essential goods through online shopping’.

 

Lastly, I asked if the COVID-19 outbreak was affecting their mental health at all and if they felt lonely. ‘I don’t feel lonely at all, I think we have all we need. I get lots of texts and phone calls and I have neighbours over the road that I talk to from a distance, so I never really feel lonely.’ ‘Yes it is lonelier, but I have my husband to keep me company, and I’m also lucky to have my family keeping in touch via. WhatsApp and on the phone’.

 

From these interviews, it is clear that many people are coming together to assist the elderly during lockdown, and this is a positive thing as it creates a sense of community during this difficult time. It is important to keep in touch with your elderly relatives or neighbours, not only to see if they need help but to also make sure that they don’t become lonely- especially if they live alone.

 

Some organisations that can help elderly people who are feeling lonely include:

  • Silverline: Offer advice, support and friendship to older people

Telephone: 0800 4 70 80 90

  • Age UK: Offer many services such as a telephone friend, advice and support to people over the age of 60

Telephone: 0800 055 6112

 

Stay safe!

 

By Kira Aspland