How older adults can stay safe during the pandemic?
What you need to know:
Eight out of Ten COVID
deaths reported in the U.S. have been predominantly in adults 60 years of age or older.
As you get older, your risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 increases.
For those who are 60 years and older who are still unsure on how to protect themselves. Below are the following safety actions that need to be observed, particularly for those in nursing homes and residential care facilities:
1. Wear a mask especially when interacting with other people.
2. Stay 6-feet apart, which is about 2 arm lengths.
3. Wash your hands consistently. Use alcohol, or hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
4. Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
5. Take a shower right away when you get home to decrease the risk of spreading the virus.
6. Remind facility staff to wash their hands often and cover their mouths when they cough. It’s perfectly find to remind your health care provider and others to practice good hygiene.
7. Ask your facility to post signs to encourage good hand hygiene and cough etiquette for staff and visitors.
Above all, staying physically active, practicing healthy habits to cope with stress, and taking everyday preventive actions during the pandemic is important mostly for the elderly, those with underlining health conditions and disabilities.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/older-adults.html
https://news.wttw.com/2020/03/18/how-seniors-can-stay-safe-and-fed-during-pandemic
