70 plus is a very varied group

" What a difference a day makes " I will reach the significant milestone of 70years at the end of May. I will then apparently metamorphosise from a self sufficient ,generally healthy adult, capable of being trusted to know what is best for myself and society , into a dependant person who is weak in mind and body. I would argue that this age " group " covering approximately 30 years are the product of decades of life experiences and as such as varied as the rest of society. The physical weaknesses associated with the ageing process are often under control and lives are lived with these constraints dictating activities and expectations.
Older people often have a strong bond with their children and grandchildren and the lack of contact is harmful to all three generations. Allowing the Social Bubble being mooted would reduce stress, anxiety and sadness for many. Trusting people to do the " right thing " will reap rewards for society as a whole, whilst denying people human contact based on age is cruel and unsustainable.

Why the contribution is important

My fear is that if the older generation are treated differently by the government, this will lead to increased belief in stereotypes and consequently ageism.. Also, people who may have limited years of active life are being denied the opportunity to make the most of this time. Many in this group are contributing to the economy by working or allowing others to work by providing child care and should be rewarded rather than suffer discrimination.

by apprehensive on May 09, 2020 at 12:58PM

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Comments

  • Posted by janetfabb May 09, 2020 at 14:16

    The statistics about the mortality rate for over 70s are quite frightening for those of us over 70, however, as has been pointed out, no two over 70s are the same and to cluster them all into a category requiring special shielding is both undemocratic and unnecessary. If the Government's concern is the overwhelming of NHS resources if this group are not contained, then, instead, NHS resources must be increased. No one WANTS to go out and contract this virus - so, people over 70 need to be trusted to minimise unnecessary risks for themselves and others, but without draconian Government measures.
  • Posted by JudithMoore May 09, 2020 at 15:58

    Initially with worries about the NHS being unable to cope with numbers, it made sense to ask over 70s and those with medical problems to stay at home/ be shielded. This protected both those at most risk and the NHS from being overwhelmed. Now that there is spare capacity in the NHS, adults should be allowed to make their own decisions about the risks they face. House arrest for over 70’s cannot be justified. Many of those, particularly those with severe health problems, may feel they have very little lifetime left to enjoy their grandchildren, or to enjoy the social gatherings arranged by support groups. To force these people to spend the rest of their lives in isolation is to treat them in a way we would condemn in a dictatorship, and would possibly even find unacceptable as a way to treat terrorists. I am sure it would be challenged successfully in the courts.
    The only sensible outcome is to allow those over 70, many of course who are in good health anyway, to make their own devisions about the level of risk they wish to incur. Judith Moore
  • Posted by Eladram May 09, 2020 at 16:29

    There are many over-70s who are fit and healthy and have enough brain power and common sense to go out and practise social distancing. Some them even do things like running marathons (when marathons are permitted). There are also plenty of under-70s who have underlying health problems and need to self-isolate. Lumping all over-70s together is just silly. Most 70-year-olds are grown-ups and can make their own informed decisions if given the correct information on which to base those decisions.
  • Posted by harviej May 09, 2020 at 17:55

    Quite agree. I am 73. I walk 5 miles everyday. I would walk further if the F M would allow me.
    I am fitter now than I was 30 years ago.
  • Posted by Maryallan May 09, 2020 at 23:33

    I think it strange that a fit over 70 year old is classed as needing or not needing the same report as an over 90 year old, who while still maintaining a level of independence and fitness in normal circumstances certainly becomes more vulnerable now, and are often on significant medication at that age (but not currently classed as high risk)
  • Posted by russellp May 10, 2020 at 00:34

    Couldn't agree more with the comments above. I think the idea of extended lockdown based on age is to be condemned as inhuman and should not be contemplated in any civilised society.
  • Posted by activeandvibrant May 10, 2020 at 15:07

    So agree with comments above. We are not quite in over 70s category but getting close! To say that the last few weeks have been difficult for us is a massive understatement - and we have been walking most days and I have gone to the Supermarket once a week. Sheer hell is a fair assessment of the current situation. We led a very busy active fulfilling happy life pre C - going to gym four times a week (Classes and floorwork)/hillwalking/gardening (we have a huge garden)/ golfing/cycling (husband), volunteering as guide in local museum one day a week, participating in cultural and social events such as theatre cinema horse racing NT activities etc, eating out/ pubbing as a couple and with friends and our main love - travelling and touring both at home and abroad, long haul twice a year (long stay Florida in winter always one), short breaks (abroad) twice a year and staycations ranging from 1 to 14 days interspersed. We loved our life and felt we had earned it after both working long long hours over 40 years and being fiscally prudent throughout to ensure we had a comfortable retiral. We contribute fully to the economy and the wider life of the community. The only thing keeping us going just now is that this lockdown is temporary. Appalled and horrified is our reaction to idea that incarceration for over 70s is even being considered! We do not consider ourselves “elderly” - negative connotations as does OAP which we hate - and are certainly NOT frail or vulnerable. Why is age discrimination STILL permitted! We will not be incarcerated. At the moment I think we still live in a democracy which values equality and fairness so let’s keep it like that. Everyone MUST be treated as autonomous citizens and regulations need to apply to all. We need to make our own decisions and take personal responsibility for our own actions - using age as a blunt instrument to exclude citizens from this is unconscionable unethical and immoral. It certainly doesn’t sit well with all the fine phrases on Fair Ethical and Lawful in your framework document - or is this just more empty rhetoric?
    Yes there may be people of 70 - 105 who will need continued support - but there will also be people from 0-70 who will need this too for very good reasons. Just don’t lump everyone over 70 together. You are not doing this for any one else.
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