Elderly are the Worst Sufferers During Covid-19 Lock down – Agewell Survey

By 121 News

Chandigarh April 25, 2020:- Elderly are the worst affected among all during current lock down situation due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. It was revealed by a latest survey, conducted by Agewell Foundation, an NGO, working for the welfare and empowerment of older persons in the country since 1999. For the survey, 5000 older persons across the country were interacted over phone by Agewell volunteers in order to assess the impact of current lock down situation on their life.

According to survey findings, 70% elderly were either already facing health complications or fearing to develop some medical complications due to current Covid-19 lock down restrictions. Other salient findings of the survey are as under;  

During the survey, while interacting with older persons, volunteers observed that majority of older persons look depressed due to this new phenomenon. They expressed sense of apprehension, resentment, anxiety and even anger while talking over phone.

Speaking on the occasion, Himanshu Rath, Founder Chairman of Agewell Foundation said that due to the current Covid-19 lock down, most of the older persons are struggling and facing a peculiar situation in their life. Elderly are finding themselves at the receiving end, those who are living alone have practical problems and those who are living with families, have psychological issues.  Under current tension of Corona virus, elderly are getting depressed due to lack of assured medical & financial support, social interaction and lack of independence / self-respect / dignity. Rath further added that government should extend a helping hand to old people by announcing certain packages, exclusively for Old People.