Downpours raise mental health risks for elderly
The message to ‘look out for your elderly neighbour’ should be widely promoted, says Consultant Psychiatrist
The continuous rains will have an impact on the physical and mental health of many active elderly persons who, on other days, would enjoy an evening stroll, spend time gardening, and meet with friends during this festive season.
“The fear of slips and falls can trigger anxiety as well as the fear of contracting coughs and pneumonia,” said Dr. Anuprabha Wickremasinghe, Consultant Psychiatrist at the National Hospital, Colombo.
In the first eight months of the year, there was extremely warm and dry weather, and advisories were issued to check on older people and for them to remain indoors as much as possible.
Heavy rains have continued since September.
Meteorologists warn of extreme erratic weather patterns in the coming months due to the El Niño condition and other weather phenomena resulting in heavy rainfall, heat waves, weak monsoons, and drought.
“The weather forecast itself is quite depressing for the elderly, who have been confined to their homes for many months, first due to the heat and now due to rain,” she said.
Dr. Wickremasinghe said there was a noticeable increase in dementia patients after COVID-19 lockdowns due to being confined to their houses for a long time.
“Families need to get the elderly involved in minor household work, encourage them to start hobbies, introduce indoor exercises or continue an older one, and facilitate calls or video calls with their siblings or friends. Unfortunately, we have to be prepared for prolonged wet or dry weather similar to winter countries."
She said the message to ‘look out for your elderly neighbour’ should be widely promoted.