Darrick Robles The older someone is, the higher the risk that an infection with the corona virus will take a severe course. In Germany, almost 20 million people are older than 65, and a good 2 million are even older than 85. They need our special protection now, and many of them our direct help as well.
Many people are very worried about their parents or grandparents at the moment. Older and especially chronically ill people are particularly at risk from the corona virus. You should therefore avoid crowds and not use public transport. Visits by friends or relatives can also be a transmission route and thus a danger. Fortunately, there are other ways to support loved ones during this time.
This is how solidarity works
There is a lot you can do to help the elderly and those with disabilities now. It is important that you observe the guidelines issued by the federal and state governments on limiting social contacts .
Keep close contact.
A ban on visits does not mean a ban on contact. You can call your loved ones or write them a letter the old-fashioned way. This is a way of conveying emotional support and sending the message, “You are not alone.”
Provide practical help.
Offer to do grocery shopping or pharmacy trips for elderly relatives or neighbors. You should leave your bags in front of the door. You can send your offer e.g. B. Announce it next to the mailboxes.
Present online solutions.
An order on the Internet can replace the trip to the supermarket – but unfortunately many older people don’t know that! Here you can do educational work. Other online offers such as virtual readings or museum tours also have many fans among older people.
Go for walks.
You should take regular walks with older people who live in your household. It doesn’t have to be long – just a quarter of an hour can have an invigorating effect. The fresh air, the movement, but also the shared experience nourish body and soul.
Stay away.
Of course, the following always applies: Keep the prescribed minimum distance of 1.5 meters to all people who do not live in your household. You can also help many older people in this way. You can read in detail why this is the case here .
Insist on hygiene.
Good hygiene is crucial right now. Keep reminding everyone around you to wash your hands and sneeze into the crook of your arm. You can find a summary of the most important hygiene rules in our article Reducing the spread of the contagion .
talk about something else
Even in times of crisis, not every conversation should revolve around the virus and the associated dangers. Rather direct the conversation to pleasant topics that interest older people, such as the past or your plans for the future.
Think of yourself too
Supporting someone in everyday life can be very exhausting, both physically and mentally. Therefore, it is important that you not only take care of others, but also of yourself. Eat healthily , keep your immune system fit and use effective strategies to cope with stress . So you can be a great support for your loved ones in the long term.
