Just 18% of infected are 60+ but account for over 50% of deaths

New Delhi: Of the 2,376 Covid-19 positive cases in Delhi as on Thursday, only 443 (18%) are aged 60 and above. However, the elderly constitute 52% of all deaths underscoring the severity the disease can cause if they get affected by it.

Government data shows mortality rate is the highest (6%) among those aged 60 and above compared with 3% aged between 50 and 59 and 0.64% in people younger than 50.

As India looks to ease lockdown restrictions, experts said it is important to develop a long-term strategy to protect the elderly from contracting Covid-19. Dr VK Paul, member of Niti Aayog, on Thursday said if older people fall sick, then they need to be identified early and all efforts should be made to protect them.

“The mortality and severity of Covid-19 is higher in senior citizens. There’s a clear message that they have to be protected at all costs,” said Paul, who is also heading a panel to coordinate efforts to tackle the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Paul was addressing an interacting session organised by Niti Ayog on how to take care of senior citizens during Covid-19. The session was also attended by epidemiologist Dr HPS Sachdev, who suggested continuation of physical distancing well beyond the lockdown period for elderly people.
“They shouldn’t go out. Also, family members or caregivers should maintain a safe distance, say a metre or two, while talking to them and always follow coughing etiquette,” Sachdev said.

The epidemiologist added that physical distancing shouldn’t lead to complete isolation socially. “It’s important to remain connected through phone or by watching TV to relax a little. In-house activities, such as medication or yoga, can be done to relieve stress and anxiety,” he said.

Dr AB Dey, professor and head of geriatrics division at AIIMS, said senior citizens are predisposed to developing complications if they get any infection. “This virus is new. It is known to cause serious complications in the elderly. Therefore, it is important to prevent them from contracting it and, in case they develop symptoms, they must be taken to the right health facility immediately for timely treatment,” he added.

“If the elderly develop symptoms such as breathing difficulty or pneumonia, they must be hospitalised. With timely medical support, chances of recovery are higher,” said Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant (internal medicine) at Apollo Hospital.

The risk of developing serious complications by Covid-19 isn’t the only worry for senior citizens. A survey conducted by NGO Agewell Foundation shows that 70% of the elderly are either already facing health complications or fearing to develop them due to the lockdown.

The survey involved telephone interaction with 5,000 senior citizens. They said access to regular medicines or physiotherapy was the most critical health challenge being faced by them. Anxiety, sleeplessness, lack of appetite and physical activity were others.

Interestingly, Agewell Foundation said 59% of elderly claimed they felt lonely and isolated even amid family members. “The primary reasons were neglect by younger family members, unsympathetic relationship, discriminatory behavior and rising frustration levels,” the NGO said.