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Pay More Attention To The Elderly During Covid-19 Outbreak

Mar 26, 2020

We’re urged to take extra precautions with the elderly during the ongoing pandemic, especially since this group is particularly vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus.

Dr Hazlina Mahadzir, Consultant Physician and Geriatrician at UKM Medical Centre explains why…

“Their immune system is not as good as their younger counterparts, their body reserve is not as good as it used to be. So whenever they get this Covid19 infection, it will be more difficult or challenging for us to treat them. We also need to know that when we’re dealing with Covid 19 in the elderly group, the presentation is not going to be the same as younger people”

Dr Hazlina also shared with us some factors that make treating the elderly difficult...

"They may have poor appetite, be lethargic, a little bit confused and tired. This would be more of a problem if the patient comes from a residential home, because they are the more frail ones. That will be more challenging for us to treat, and they may not even survive the treatment.”

Image: The Malaysian Times

She adds that for the elderly who are stuck indoors during the Movement Control Order, it's essential that they receive adequate mental stimulation and social interaction.

"They should be in touch with the outside world in the form of TV or radio, so that they are up to date with the current situation, otherwise make sure that they are always getting stimulation, by playing some card games,  make sure they do bit of movements. And doing a bit of house chore is no harm. Tai chi, or yoga are good as well."

Image: Tai Chi Penang

Figures show that many Covid-19 fatalities around the world are typically seen in people over the
age of 60.