Take care of the health of the elderly during a pandemic, here are 10 tips from doctors

Illustration of elderly health care. (Source: Shuttertsock)

The elderly are the population most at risk of experiencing death due to Covid-19.

Suara.com – Elderly is the population most at risk of experiencing fatalities due to Covid-19. Therefore, elderly health must be maintained thoroughly, in order to avoid infection and disease.

Internal Medicine Specialist Geriatr Consultant, Dr. dr. Purwita Wijaya Laksmi, Sp.PD-KGer implemented 5 Guard and 5 Enough as the main keys for elderly people to stay healthy during the Covid-19 pandemic.

1. Keep a distance
One of the health protocols because Covid-19 is transmitted through droplets, keeping a distance of 1 meter is a must.

Dr. Purwita also asked the elderly to avoid shaking hands, stay away from sick people, family members who leave the house make sure to clean themselves when they get home.

“For example, not sitting or touching things at home before bathing and shampooing, washing clothes that are used outside the home at the first opportunity, etc., always keeping a distance, and still using a mask even at home,” said Dr. Purwita, through a release to Suara.com, Tuesday (9/8/2020).

2. Keep it clean
Implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS) by diligently washing your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer, now must always be done.

Keep regularly taking medication as directed by your doctor and basking in the morning sun.

“Every time an elderly companion will help the elderly carry out their daily activities, such as eating, bathing, decorating, dressing, and moving, they must first use a mask and wash their hands. It is better if the companion keeps their distance from themselves,” said the practicing doctor. at Pondok Indah Hospital, Bintaro Jaya.

3. Maintain social contact
If it is not possible to keep your distance, then you should avoid crowds or gatherings and social activities.

If you need to communicate via gadgets, virtual communication is now possible.

“Like watching puppets and traveling virtually. Avoid visiting guests at home, but if you have to visit you are required to wear a mask, maintain personal hygiene, and keep your distance,” he said.

4. Take care of your emotions
It is very important that in this concerned condition we remain optimistic and anticipate all future possibilities.

Encourage or accompany the elderly to do fun activities at home.

5. Take care of spirituality and worship
The elderly continue to carry out worship according to the beliefs held at home.

Religious activities such as attending religious talks, recitation, devotionals, etc. can still be followed virtually.

“Maintaining worship will have a positive impact on mental peace. The spiritual approach keeps us grateful for any condition and believes that there is always a wisdom behind every problem,” he said.

6. Enough nutritional intake
The family also needs to pay attention to daily drinking intake because there is a decrease in the perception of thirst in the elderly.

The elderly become less drinking because they are not thirsty.

Therefore, families need to provide understanding so that the elderly can continue to drink even though they do not feel thirsty and explain the amount of drinking water according to daily needs.

“About 30 milliliters per kilogram of body weight per day in the elderly who medically do not need to restrict fluid intake due to kidney or heart disease or other diseases with a tendency to excess fluid,” he explained.

7. Enough physical activity
Even though you cannot freely do activities outside the home, you should still do regular physical exercise at home.

Physical exercise can also be done together with fellow sports groups or seminarians virtually.

8. Get enough sleep
Make sure that the elderly can get enough rest, and achieve adequate quality and quantity of sleep, which is about 6 to 8 hours a day or more.

9. Sufficient supplies
Ensure the availability of routine medicines and daily necessities at home.

Purchases can be assisted by family or caregivers or ordered online.

10. Enough attention
Attention from the surrounding environment, especially family, is needed by the elderly.

Family is an important source of love, motivation or encouragement, assistance, and social interaction.

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