Elderly and vulnerable

My concern is that the needs of people in this category will be largely ignored, and be encouraged to observe lockdown for the foreseeable future to allow the younger generation to resume their normal activities and get the economy back on track. This sector of society has much to contribute both personally and financially and Scottish Government must consider how these people can be safely integrated back into society to continue to make a meaningful contribution to Scottish society

Why the contribution is important

The older generation have much to contribute and play significant roles in the life of Scotland
They must not be forgotten and considered a problem rather than a solution

by ElsieC64 on May 06, 2020 at 09:33AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.6
Based on: 24 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Margt May 06, 2020 at 10:00

    I didn't know that I was `elderly` until this corona virus hit! I am 67. I still work - because I want to. Do not apply a `one-size-fits- all mentality`. Seems to me that people of my age are `vulnerable` now but not `vulnerable` when it comes to decisions on increasing the pension age. I also believe that people of my age have more sense than to be leaving the home with a cough or a temperature so please don't treat us as if we lack some sort of understanding

  • Posted by morrison71 May 06, 2020 at 10:54

    It is reasonable to accept that the vulnerable adults, particularly those in the sheilding catagory are going to live with 'lockdown' for many more months to come and in doing so there is a serious risk that many will become less ambulent with serious impact on their general wellbeing and mental health. Consideration should be given as to how best and safely such persons can enjoy the outdoors for a short period of exercise each day in the company of a nominated family member or carer and face to face contact with their wider family using digital platforms. This applies to those living independantly in their own home or in Sheltered Housing or Care Home setting.

  • Posted by Spaceman May 06, 2020 at 10:55

    According to the NHS you are elderly at 65 we are over 70 fit and well non smokers non drinker regular walk the Pentland hills do 7000 plus steps a day every day since this Covid -19 we can’t do this we are getting depressed it seems we are surplus to requirements now

  • Posted by Caledonian May 06, 2020 at 11:24

    The tag vulnerable is being applied to us more senior citizens because medical and scientific evidence is showing that this virus is more harmful to us because of reduced immunity.
    This risk averse strategy is understandable given this is a new virus with evolving understanding of its characteristics.
    As understanding increases of the virus’s effect on the age demographic is more apparent coupled with R figure reduced to an acceptable level , we can cautiously get back to some sense of normality.
    I don’t think the current strategy is anti the elderly more based on protecting us so we will be still around to enjoy old age when the risk of Covid 19 is lessened

  • Posted by Kathbeck May 06, 2020 at 11:52

    I feel elderly and vulnerable are being placed in same category . Need clarity for people classed as vulnerable due to underlying health reasons but are still of working age . There had been no communication in Scotland at all for this group. When lockdown ends is it safe for this group to return to work . If not what support for be available.

  • Posted by SPJR May 06, 2020 at 13:06

    ElsieC64 says it very well: age, in itself, is no criterion in determining "vulnerability", or "value". Obviously the economy needs to get going again (and here I would add that messing about and saying we won't extend the transition period with the EU, is totally and unarguably, stupid), but blocking people from normal activity just on the grounds of age is unfair and immoral. I happily pay my taxes to support the life of Scotland and the UK (although I wonder about Trident), and would happily pay more for, e.g., a better NHS, more support of the arts, increased funding for drug treatment, better levels of benefit... I am over seventy, healthy, active, and with plenty I want to do. I do not need carers in to look after me, and why would they (as an especially vulnerable category of fellow-citizen) risk adding me and them to their aand my problems. For the time being I'll restict my activities in accordance with "common snese", but not just because I'm over 70!

  • Posted by Muriel May 06, 2020 at 15:20

    Well said to all of the above. There needs to be more of a divide between elderly, vulnerable and elderly & vulnerable. Some 99 year olds have survived the virus, some much younger persons have not. Strangely enough, smokers seem less likely to die than non-smokers. There are also differences between ethnicity, gender et al. Here we should perhaps be thinking of whether or not "we got a letter"!

  • Posted by Frannz33 May 06, 2020 at 17:35

    I don't think it is justified to divide the population along age grounds and ask 70+ people to isolate or remain in lockdown for longer than those below that age. Many 70 year olds are fit and healthy and are well able to make their own decisions about their own safety. I think the same is true of the shielded population. Lets not divide us as a population but rather keep us together in solidarity with each other.

  • Posted by GillHain May 07, 2020 at 22:31

    Given the number of people that have not received the shielding letter despite the number who do qualify when the guidance of those who do understand their conditions is not used it would be dangerous for those letters to be used as a sole criteria.
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