Should the elderly stay home during the Covid crisis, how do we know if they are depressed, what can we do to raise their spirits? We asked four Israeli experts for their advice
By: Nicky Blackburn
It’s a tough time everywhere in the world right now, as the numbers suffering from Covid-19 continue to rise. And hardest hit of all are the elderly.
Asked to shelter in place for months already, some are now being told they must continue to stay put indefinitely, while others are being told it’s fine to go out, even while pandemic numbers rise.
As part of a new series, Ask the Experts, we invited readers to send in questions they might have about how to keep elderly friends and relatives healthy and safe during corona, and asked four professionals in the gerontology field to answer them.
The experts are Prof. Efraim Jaul, the Director of Geriatrics at Herzog Medical Center; Yonit Zabari, Director of the Department of Social Work at Herzog Medical Center; Dr. Amnon Raviv, a professional medical clown and college instructor; and Dvora Corn, a Jerusalem-based family and marital therapist specializing in aging, illness and end-of-life issues. She is cofounder of Gisha L’chaim – Life’s Door, helping people cope with death and loss.
Find out what they said below.
Question: In many places around the world we seem to be going into a second wave of corona, but some governments are keeping everything open. What should elderly people do in this case? Is it better for old people to just stay at home until this crisis is finally over?
Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari
“It is important for older people to go out. Loneliness and staying indoors can be more problematic than corona, causing depression and other issues. One should be careful when outdoors — wear a mask, do not stay in closed areas, keep two meters apart, and meet with friends in open areas.”
Dr. Amnon Raviv
“This is an open question. It is clear now that old people are at risk. Staying at home for long periods of time can be depressing, so if you decide to do this, I recommend you meet your loved ones not only through virtual platforms but also for real. Keep 10 meters’ distance (from your balcony, for example) and you can meet safely and share your feelings with the family. This is extremely important for your mental wellbeing.”
Dvora Corn
“The question of how elderly people, or any individual in what has been identified as high risk groups, ought to behave during this health pandemic is complex and highly personal. As with many choices, decision making may be based on a risk-benefit equation which takes into consideration not only physical health but other factors which influence quality of life.
“In this corona time, which is fraught with so many unknowns, the capacity to plan is further challenged by the reality that we have no clear end-point and as such one may be challenged to sustain plans or may want to reconsider choices as time progresses.
“As a guideline to assist in these challenging times, it is often helpful to begin with an examination of values that one senses are core elements of that person’s meaningful existence. For instance, in asking oneself the question ‘What makes my life worthwhile?’ or even ‘What makes a day a good one for me?’ we begin to understand those unique activities without which one’s life becomes less satisfying or even, tragically, unbearable.
“As such, one may opt to run the risk of serious illness and even death, if they deem that a life without these elements (e.g. family connection, or other social interactions, time in nature) is not a ‘life worth living.’ While this may seem harsh or even irresponsible behavior, as a society we owe this right to every human being– to choose how he or she wants to live.
“The question, if at all possible, should be posed to the individual elderly person to engage in an honest reflection. It is never too early to engage in ‘The Conversation,’ examining core values and sharing choices on how to live, especially in the face of potential illness. Many tools to assist in this process exist and some can be found on www.lifesdoor.org.”
Question: Is there anything old people can do to improve their chances of survival if they do catch corona?
Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari
“Eating properly is very important. Drink a lot of liquids; eat fresh fruit and vegetables; meals should be light but ensure to include protein, for example eggs.”
Dr. Amnon Raviv
“Like any other life-threatening disease you would be able to fight the disease better if your spirit is high. Using lots of humor, lifting the spirit with playing and singing good music, dancing (even in your bed if you don’t have much energy), meeting with your beloved ones to share good memories or singing together.”
Question: I’ve heard that vitamin D helps you fight corona. What level of vitamin D should we be taking every day? Are there other vitamins or food supplements that might help?
Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari
“Assuming one is eating healthy as outlined above, Vitamin D 4000 units is recommended on a daily basis. Vitamin D is known to keep bones healthy and reduces depression. If one is not eating a healthy and balanced diet, Vitamin B and B complex vitamin are recommended as well.”
Dr. Amnon Raviv
“Your physician probably would be able to answer this question, but I can add to the list other very important vitamins you should have: vitamins L, E & H (love, empathy & humor). It would be great if you could have a big quantity of those, as they would strengthen your immune system as well.”
Question: How can my family and I lift the spirits of an elderly family member, who is isolated in a nursing home? He can only see his family through a window, which makes him happy, but at the same time frustrated and sad that he cannot physically be in the same room as us. With the lockdown continuing on in California, it is very challenging for him (and us too).
Prof. Efraim Jaul and Yonit Zabari
“Meeting with the elderly in an outdoor area (e.g. garden) is very important and should be implemented where possible and as much as possible. Communication must be more than just through a window. We encourage use of tablets, as well as frequent phone calls during the day.”
(Israel 21C)