The elderly has been faced with a number of problems due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing Academic Staff Prof. Dr. Feray Gökdoğan made a statement for 18-24th March, Respect for the Elderly Week.

Reminding that the elderly is particularly at risk of suffering more with the Covid-19 infection and developing more serious symptoms, Gökdoğan went on to say, “Covid-19 causes a higher rate of death in elderly people who have pre-existing diseases. 80% of the deaths in the United States of America occurred in patients over the age of 65".

Prof. Dr. Gökdoğan stated an important part of the countries’ comprehensive response to the epidemic was the support given to the elderly, their families and their caregivers, and went on to state, “During times of isolation and quarantine, in order to support elderly people’s physical health and social care, they require nutritious food, basic materials, money, medicine and safe access. The correct information needs to be provided to the elderly in order for them to remain physically and mentally healthy and not become unwell during the pandemic”.

“Elderly people with disabilities especially have special needs during the Covid-19 epidemic process”

Pointing out that during the epidemic process, especially disabled elderly individuals have special needs, Gökdoğan went on to advise, “It may be difficult for those with hearing difficulties to maintain their physical distance, so they may require protective masks. For those with visual impairments, using gloves would be beneficial”.

Stating that elderly people face many obstacles in relation to accessing health services, such as paying the related fees, accessibility, age-based discrimination and age-based stigmas, Prof. Dr. Gökdoğan elaborated that in accordance to Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it is accepted that elderly people should be able to access quality health services without discrimination, that it should be made available to them and affordable.

Stating that the World Health Organization has prepared guidelines that focus on the elderly and disabled, Gökdoğan concluded, “From a national perspective, the government, scientific communities, stakeholders and health policy makers have a central role when it comes to the planning and implementation for special interventions in relation to the elderly. When it comes to decision-making mechanisms in these areas, it is important to include the elderly”.