As per guidelines published by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults (65 years and above) are at a higher risk of contracting Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. In fact, research indicates that the elderly, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart and lung disease, diabetes or cancer, are more likely to have severe infection than any other age group. Accordingly, experts and authorities are strongly urging the elderly to stay at home and avoid all social contact as far as possible. "However, being socially isolated at this difficult time can present a new set of challenges for individuals belonging to this age group," explains Dr Sagar Mundada, psychiatrist at Health Springs.

Emotional concerns
"Of late, mental health professionals have been receiving an increased number of calls about elderly individuals, especially those already diagnosed with diabetes, experiencing severe panic attacks. The knowledge that they are at increased risk is especially difficult to come to terms with; many are refusing to step out of their rooms and mingle with their families. There is a sense of despair that everything has ended for them," Dr Mundada says.