Over 70's

An age only requirement can be detrimental to the fit healthy over 70's that are more current these days.
I am just 70 but compete in running races, cycle vigorously and walk long distances on my own - I am not a health risk and should not be restricted as though I am impaired etc.
If I have a Driving License, then I should be considered to be a active individual and treated as such

Why the contribution is important

The population needs to be encouraged to to be healthy and active, especially in old age.
Otherwise, you will impose detrimental impositions on the people that need to be encouraged

by lcraik on May 05, 2020 at 10:19PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.0
Based on: 23 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Vicki May 05, 2020 at 22:55

    I might agree except any fit person of any age (or any unfit person...or...any person) can be an asymptomatic carrier and pass the virus on. It's not just down to whether a person can survive the virus themselves but whether they're going to pass it on. And that applies to all of us, especially when it's not clear even if you've had the virus that you can't get it again

  • Posted by maureensmokey May 05, 2020 at 23:12

    There should be no discrimination against over 70s with no underlying health issues. Everyone needs to meet with close family after these weeks apart . This will be a major boost
    and government should make this a priority.

  • Posted by Nel May 05, 2020 at 23:39

    Age should not be a factor on its own. There are many fit octogenarians. let the adult decide if they have capacity

  • Posted by russellp May 06, 2020 at 01:51

    Many over 70s are essential to the economy by reason of covering childcare of grandchildren, enabling parents to work. Also some are responsible for the care and welfare of their own parents of 90+ years. Over 70's need to be unrestricted to be able to continue this necessary family support.
    I do find the idea of an imposed restriction on the lives of active and involved members of society, purely on grounds of their age, both patronising, and offensive.

  • Posted by FRWood May 06, 2020 at 05:36

    Explain the risks related to age and other factors and let adults make their own decisions. I’m sure over 70s are every bit as sensible and capable as under 70s!

  • Posted by Brownboy1 May 06, 2020 at 10:05

    Over 70’s should restrict their social interaction but not be kept in total lockdown. Sensible social distancing, which over 70’s are quite capable of judging for themselves, should be allowed. Outdoor exercise in the form of walking, golf, cycling etc. are all compatible with social distancing rules and essential for the wellbeing of senior citizens.

  • Posted by monterey May 06, 2020 at 10:26

    Fully agree with previous comments from FRWood and Brownboy1. Over-70s should benefit from relaxations in the rules like anyone else except that they should be strongly advised to limit their use of any relaxations as much as possible. They are well aware of the disadvantages of age in the context of Covid-19 and must be trusted to limit the risks they take for themselves and others.

  • Posted by AlisonRawles May 06, 2020 at 12:55

    It appears to have been suggested that over 70s should be moved into the "shielding" category to allow greater freedom to others. The Guardian (5 May) reports in this context: "The strategy from researchers at Edinburgh University, known as “segmenting and shielding”, is intended to create leeway for ministers to ease the lockdown on those least at risk from the virus while ensuring that vulnerable people only come into contact with carers and family members who are free from infection." Over 70s are not a statistic - they are individuals with different capacities and needs. Many of us are healthy and able to contribute and make our own judgments. If they put us all into the shielding category - confined to the house, no exercise walk etc. - the damage to longer term physical and mental health will be horrendous. I would find it very difficult to cope with, and we have a relatively large flat, a garden and a view from the windows. I can't imagine the consequences for fit 70+ folk in tiny flats with no garden. Moreover we have seen that carers are a high risk category in terms of infection - for obvious reasons - and family (assuming there are any close at hand) may be "free from infection" now, but once back at work and circulating more normally may not remain so. This is not about protecting the over 70s, it's about abandoning lockdown too quickly for the sake of the economy.

  • Posted by WSR May 06, 2020 at 20:03

    Blanket restricting over 70s be a human rights issue, discriminatory and an afront fo civil liberties.

  • Posted by Any1 May 08, 2020 at 03:48

    Agree with those who say that lumping everyone over 70 into 1 category is offensive. Reeks of sweeping them into the dustbin. Curious about the ages of the writers of this advice!

  • Posted by activeandvibrant May 10, 2020 at 16:14

    Absolutely agree. Horrified and appalled that this would even be considered! We had a life before this and want to have that again. Discrimination on age grounds is definitely against everything Democracy stands for. Just NO!
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