GEORGE TOWN – ”Old but not forgotten”, so the saying goes, but it does not seem to hold water with Covid-19 on our shores.
The aged in Malaysia have been somewhat forgotten, and many go about their daily lives fussing about the pandemic, vaccines, and the adverse effects of the coronavirus on the economy.
The outbreak has taken a toll on people’s mental health, especially the elderly, who have been reminded time and again that they need to be extra careful, being in the high-risk category.
This has led to many changing their active and social lifestyles, becoming isolated and fearful.
Association for Residential Aged Care Operators of Malaysia vice-president Cecilia Chan Woen Min told The Vibes that Covid-19 has triggered depression among the elderly on many levels.
“Those most susceptible are those who stay alone at their own homes and those at aged-care facilities. From the start of this pandemic, the elderly have been told that they are in the high-risk group because of comorbidities.
“They have been thrust into social isolation after leading active lives. They are people who socialise daily. They exercise, go to the market, do volunteer work and more. And now, it is all taken away from them.
All they get now is a constant flow of negative information, resulting in their growing fear.”
Although everyone has seen a change in lifestyle, it is easier for most to adapt as the general public is working, and get to interact with family members and colleagues.
Chan said the elderly, however, are imprisoned within the four walls of their home, with some not even knowing what Wi-Fi is.
As for those in aged-care facilities, some are already depressed being away from home, and the days they look forward to, when they get visitors, have now been taken away.
“This is another compounding scenario. Now, whole nursing homes are locked down,” said Chan, a gerontologist.
You are in an institution where people dictate everything you do, from the time you wake up, what you eat, what you wear, to what to do. All the rights they had before have been taken away from them.”
There is currently no known data or study that looks into the rise in depression among the elderly in the country.
“They are not going to call a counsellor or see a psychiatrist. They are not going to tell anyone they are depressed. They just go downhill. This is obvious among those with dementia. Studies have shown that they deteriorate fast, because there is no mental stimulation and social interaction,” added Chan.
“They feel they have no purpose or meaning in life.”
She urged those with elderly parents or family members to be in constant contact with them, and take notice of changes in the way they talk and their non-verbal language.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach. You just have to know them and pick up on cues.
“If you are staying far away from them, have a network that can keep an eye on them.”
Former Society of Active Generation of Elders (SAGE) chairman Chin Sek Ham said some elderly folk may be depressed due to financial constraints as they still have dependents.
“I think the government should set up a welfare arm for the elderly who can still work, to help them find employment. In Singapore, we see the elderly working as waiters and cleaners at fast-food places.
“Maybe a department can be set up to register able-bodied elderly people for work instead of employing foreign workers. Let them work to earn money.
“The elderly are often ignored, treated like has-beens once they reach a certain age.”
He said many are lonely, and could resort to committing suicide when they lose sight of their purpose.
“I have seen this. That is why I started SAGE.”
Chin said he also hopes the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will look into the well-being of the elderly.
“The least they can do is acknowledge the elderly during Elders’ Day on October 1, like they do for Children’s Day. I know that Penang, under welfare exco Phee Boon Poh, has a budget set aside to celebrate and appreciate the elderly every year.
“It encourages fellowship and gives meaning to their lives.” – The Vibes, May 30, 2021
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