Covid-19: What's best for the elderly?
Is it possible to isolate people from the virus without causing other health problems?
Governments across Europe have this week introduced new measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports that over the past fortnight five countries have reported over 120 cases per 100,000 residents, including Spain, France, and the Czech Republic. But the increased restrictions on freedom of movement and congregation in many countries is sparking push-back from some, who argue that the elderly should be shielded - while the rest of society returns to some semblance of normality. It’s a suggestion British Prime Minister Boris Johnson rejected this week during an address to the nation. He said such a policy wouldn’t be ‘realistic’ - insisting widespread transmission of the virus would inevitably see infection rates rise in vulnerable communities too. But after months of effectively being locked away from the outside world, many of those who’ve been shielding from the virus are now showing signs of adverse physical and mental health problems due to isolation. So as the pandemic grinds on, are attempts to protect the elderly from exposure to the coronavirus prompting other health crises - and what can be done to keep them safe and happy? Ritula Shah and a panel of expert guests discuss - what is the best approach for the elderly?
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Contributors
Dame Esther Rantzen - Journalist and founder of the charity ‘The Silver Line’
Dr Sharon Inouye - Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical SchoolÌýand Director of The Aging Brain Center at 'Hebrew SeniorLife' in Boston
Dr Terence Chong - Senior Research Fellow in Psychiatry of Old Age at The University of MelbourneÌýand St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne
Dr Ishita Mukerji - Program Director & Senior Psychologist at Kaleidoscope, India
Also featuring ...
Julianne Holt-Lunstad - Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Brigham Young University, in Utah
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Photo
Medical workers wearing protective face masks are seen during lunch time with residents at Les Figuiers retirement home amid COVID-19 outbreak in Villeneuve-Loubet, France, September 16, 2020. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Broadcasts
- Fri 25 Sep 2020 09:06GMT91Èȱ¬ World Service
- Fri 25 Sep 2020 23:06GMT91Èȱ¬ World Service
- Sat 26 Sep 2020 03:06GMT91Èȱ¬ World Service
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The Real Story
Global experts and decision makers discuss, debate and analyse a key news story.