COVID-19 is a disease whose consequences are particularly harmful to older people. While we wait for a vaccine to finally be developed, we must protect our elders by adopting preventive measures. In this article, we present a few tips to consider for protecting our elders against COVID-19. 

1. Social distancing

If you plan to visit your grandparents soon, remember to maintain a safe distance from them. Recent studies have confirmed that COVID-19 can be transmitted through the air, which requires us to keep more space between ourselves and our loved ones. In addition to the face covering or surgical mask that you must wear at all times, try to maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from your elderly loved ones.

2. Wearing a face covering or surgical mask 

We now know that wearing a face covering or surgical mask helps protect against COVID-19 by preventing people carrying the virus from spreading it and healthy people from becoming infected. Older people must be especially careful when going outside or welcoming loved ones. Do not hesitate to remind your elderly loved ones of the need to wear a mask during this pandemic, and set an example yourselves by wearing one at all times.

3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or disinfectant gel

To protect our elders against COVID-19, we must remind them of the need to wash their hands frequently with water, soap, or disinfectant gel. Since our loved ones are often in fragile health and cannot go out to shop, consider buying them essentials such as soap, disinfectant gel, and pocket disinfectant wipes. If your elderly relative has limited income, do not expect anything from them and give them this gift.

4. Sneeze and cough into your elbow

COVID-19 COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets released when a person coughs or sneezes. Therefore, remind your elders to sneeze or cough into their elbows, and do the same if you are near them. 

5. Do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose 

Viruses are germs that enter the body through the eyes, mouth, or nose. Since COVID-19 is also caused by a virus, we must be careful not to touch our faces before thoroughly washing our hands. Remind your loved ones of the importance of disinfecting their hands before cooking and eating, among other things.

6. Do not share utensils

If your grandmother has invited you to visit and plans to prepare the apple pie that reminds you of your childhood, be sure to bring your own utensils. If you are unknowingly carrying the virus, you must avoid eating with your loved one's utensils at all costs. Remember that the virus is primarily transmitted through saliva, and eating with a fork belonging to your loved one would expose them to unnecessary risks. 

7. Throw tissues in the trash

Since COVID-19 spreads so virulently, it is important not to reuse tissues. Therefore, consider providing your relative with a box so they can throw away their tissues immediately after use.  In addition, remind them not to use cloth handkerchiefs and to prefer disinfectant wipes and disposable tissues. Otherwise, if your loved one uses a wheelchair, consider attaching a bag to the handlebar so they can throw away their tissues after use.

8. The importance of a healthy lifestyle

This pandemic reminds us more than ever of the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Advise your loved one to sleep well, eat well, and exercise regularly. These habits will help them stay positive and, above all, strengthen their immune system. In addition, if your relative smokes or drinks alcohol, encourage them to stop these harmful habits, which make them much more vulnerable to the virus. 

Protecting our elders against COVID-19 is everyone's responsibility

Ultimately, protecting older people during this pandemic is a responsibility that falls on all of us. Since our elders are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, we must adopt the right measures to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to them and prevent the worst. We hope these tips have been useful and that you will consider them wisely and rationally to protect your grandparents and elderly loved ones.