IN THE MIDST of the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, many elderly have become increasingly vulnerable to loneliness thanks to prevention and isolation measures and the digital divide. Non-emergency community services have been suspended, curtailing their social lives and care homes have also suspended visits.
Additionally, community organisations have also suspended visits to care homes and the elderly who live alone. Those elderly who not familiar with mobile phones and digital devices might not be able use these to contact friends and relatives.
These kinds of separation, isolation and limitations cause physical, mental and spiritual stress for the elderly.
A survey by Caritas-Hong Kong’s Services for the Elderly found that more than half of the elderly interviewed were affected by the ongoing pandemic and found they always felt anxious and their sentiments more negative.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of the University of Hong Kong also indicated that the elderly in care homes who are unable to see family members, will feel more lonely which can trigger negative emotions.
Even before the pandemic, Caritas Hong Kong’s Services for the Elderly initiated its Digital Reach-out Project for Elderly to help those with mobility issues to interact with the outside world through the use of digital tablets. The younger generation, who have mastered information technology, can play an important role by helping the older generation bridge the divide with the community and even with the digital world. This can help dispel loneliness and melancholy.
Pope Francis urged young people not to forget their own grandparents and the elderly in the community. He also suggested that they treat the elderly people as they would their own grandparents. “Do not leave them alone! You must use the inventiveness of love to listen to them by making a call or video call and sending a message. Make a visit to give them a hug when safety measures allow. You must use the inventiveness of love to care for the elderly.”
However, observing social distancing does not mean that the elderly should be subject to loneliness or be abandoned.
In Hong Kong, former and current students of Catholic schools, as well as young parishioners have taken the initiative to visit the elderly in the community and have sent them disease prevention supplies in recent months. One young person, sharing on a parish Facebook page said, “The elderly have worked hard for most of their lives. We must thank them for what they have done and send our gratitude to them, support them and bring them a positive message.”
Pope Francis has repeatedly acknowledged the value of the elderly to the Church and society. If young people can empower the elderly to assert their own dignity and value during the pandemic, this will be the best encouragement and support.
Let us continue to pray for the elderly and the weak, while upholding their dignity and the spirit of friendship to eliminate loneliness from society. SE
