Allow over 70 fit & healthy the same freedoms as others

It is wrong to blanket everyone together. There are thousands of fit, healthy over 70's who are used to being outdoors everyday and they shouldn't be held back with those who have underlying problems.

Why the contribution is important

Mental health is improved by exercise and just being outside and greeting people face to face can improve quality of life, especially for older people who otherwise would be lonely.

by pollyshorts6 on May 05, 2020 at 04:50PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.2
Based on: 18 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Llynn May 05, 2020 at 18:17

    It is discriminatory and harsh to treat the over 70’s differently .Many will be fitter and more active than much younger people and just as dependent on the company of others for their wellbeing.

  • Posted by Tompickering May 05, 2020 at 18:21

    As a fit 68 year old man I cannot support this. The evidence is clear that men over 60 and women over 70 are at higher risk than the younger population. To reduce the demand on the NHS we must restrict ourselves more to allow our children and grandchildren to be given more reduction of restrictions. It is not ageist to restrict us more, just a proper interpretation of the numbers. Let’s not be selfish

  • Posted by angelseasonfive May 05, 2020 at 18:23

    The over 70s are classed as more vulnerable to Coronavirus, but those who are fit and healthy are actually allowed out for the same essential reasons as everyone else. The guidance on NHS website is quite clear on this. None of the shielding categories are based on age.

  • Posted by groot May 05, 2020 at 18:26

    They are already allowed out under the same restrictions as everyone else, anyone who is offered the flu jab on medical grounds including over 70s are not forced to shield unless they have been sent a letter.

  • Posted by DL49 May 05, 2020 at 18:49

    It seems odd to pick an arbitrary age limit such as 70. Does it have any logic behind it ? NRS Scotland weekly death reports do not use this age limit - It groups deaths in age bands 65-74 and 75-84. If this is about controlling the spread, it is patently wrong as a 70 year old is no more likely to spread the virus than a 30 year old. If it is about reducing the strain on the NHS then why will there be no movement restrictions on other similar risk groups such as BAME and the obese ? Page 6 of the consultation lays down seven guiding principles - continuing a strict lockdown for over 70s probably breaks most of them.

  • Posted by aeongus May 06, 2020 at 05:23

    There are 2 factors which make the over 70's more vulnerable. They are more likely to have had the flu virus jab which it has been found makes people more likely to succumb to covid 19 and secondly they are more likely to have other underlying health conditions. Not having had the flu jab and being in good health I would resist any attempt to be restricted. Scots should remember the Scottish Motto which basically says "No one provokes me with impunity".

  • Posted by NeilKean May 06, 2020 at 09:30

    Selecting over 70 year olds for extended restrictions is arbitrary. It's also cruel as there is no prospect of ending this arbitrary restriction.
    The ONS says that a man of 71 is likely to live for a further 13.4 years, of which 6.9 are likely to be in reasonable health. What percentage of enjoyable life is the Scottish Government proposing to steal?

  • Posted by jlml58 May 06, 2020 at 13:34

    There seems to be a widespread misunderstanding of why people over 70 are being advised to follow current guidelines more strictly than others. It is for their own protection, as they are more likely to suffer more seriously should they get the disease. It is not about arbitrarily removing their freedoms and should not be seen as such. The guidance is coming from a situation of kindness, not cruelty,

  • Posted by DL49 May 06, 2020 at 18:01

    “ Posted by aeongus May 06, 2020 at 05:23

    There are 2 factors which make the over 70's more vulnerable. They are more likely to have had the flu virus jab which it has been found makes people more likely to succumb to covid 19..”

    Does nobody monitor this site for fake news?

  • Posted by JayEvans May 08, 2020 at 16:10

    The reason for over 70’s being asked to stay in is because of the age of their immune system. It has nothing to do with being healthy or unhealthy - it’s just that an immune system over 70 does not cope well with a new disease - so I could be the fittest over 70 going but my immune system will not cope well if I get COVID-19

  • Posted by activeandvibrant May 10, 2020 at 15:16

    I have posted at length re this on other comments board so won’t repeat . Just don’t discriminate on age grounds - no place for it in a society that values equality and freedom ie a democracy. Re “situation of kindness” mentioned above - how patronising! We are autonomous adults and deserve to be treated as such! Can’t believe someone would actually post such a comment!
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