Filipinos are known for their love and respect for the elderly. Taking good care of our grandparents is embedded to us from one generation to another. They are the source of love and comfort in every home. But in this pandemic, it is now more than ever that we must exert extra effort in protecting the health and well-being of our beloved elderly.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age. As the body ages, the immune system begins to decline. Older adults, aged 60 years old and above, are more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 infection compared to younger adults. People aged 85 and above have the greatest risk of all. Most of them also have pre-existing conditions that may contribute to serious complications. Hence, older adults are identified as one of the most vulnerable sectors of society.
Certain factors such as going to crowded places, close physical contact with visitors, not wearing masks properly, and unhealthy food choices contribute to increased risk of acquiring infections. Families living with senior citizens must be wary of these factors in order to protect them from the deadly virus. So, how can we ensure the safety of our elders?
Encourage them to stay at home. Our elders like to visit their amigas/amigos in the neighborhood. Since the government has confirmed community transmission of the virus, they must be encouraged to stay at home and follow the implemented protocols. Practice 1-meter distancing with someone who came from outside. Remind visitors and family members to always wash their hands. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that people touched a lot.
Prepare healthy meals that may help boost their immune system. Vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as zinc and protein, are essential nutrients to keep our immune system working. These are mostly present in vegetables, fruits, legumes, milk, meat, and seafoods. The Pinggang Pinoy for the elderly serves the right proportion of the three food groups suitable for grandparents. We also ought not to compromise their bodies by preparing the food with proper food safety and sanitation to avoid other infections.
Do physical activities with them. Based on the Philippine National Guidelines on Physical Activity, aerobic fitness, muscle strength, and risk of falls should be taken into consideration when planning the physical activity of older adults. Moderate to light activities that increase flexibility and balance such as walking, dancing, gentle yoga, swimming, and stair climbing are recommended. Joining our grandparents on their Zumba sessions can inspire them to keep moving and stay away from sedentary lifestyle.
Keep them informed and entertained. Like most people, children and the elderly have the right to know what is happening around them. It is the duty of the adults to keep them updated with information from reliable sources. Symptoms of anxiety and depression may also be present among older adults. We must always give them assurance and entertainment as often as possible to maintain their quality of life.
The Filipino elderly is one of the most vulnerable in this pandemic. Make time and effort in ensuring the safety of our elderly. Be responsible enough to follow precautionary measures to avoid bringing the virus to our homes. (DKFV/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/older-adults.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/investigations-discovery/hospitalization-death-by-age.html
https://covid19.healthypilipinas.ph/information-for/people-at-risk/5e916abdc51ef6780ac73d19
https://www.makatimed.net.ph/news-and-exhibits/news/covid19-who-are-the-most-vulnerable
https://www.aagponline.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=anxiety
http://thepafp.org/website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2009-WHO-Lifestyle-Manual-module4-Physical-Activity.pdf
