Healthy ‘oldies’ can act responsibly
TV presenter Jennie Bond admits her 80-year-old husband is at high risk – but why should that stop her?
In four months’ time, I shall be 70. I am fit, active, still working and am generally regarded as a tough old boot. But, in August, if this lockdown is still in force, I shall pass through a mythical looking glass into a world where I am apparently unable to make my own decisions about my health and safety.
I am grateful to the Government and, in particular, their medical teams for every word of advice about this wretched virus. I take my daily walk along the coast at 5pm each evening listening to the news conference in full. I could probably win Mastermind with my knowledge about Covid-19.
Thus far, I have abided by every word. But if, as seems inevitable, we are in this for the long haul, then I think those of us who are over 70 should be afforded the respect to trust us to act responsibly. I don’t want to live my life looking over my shoulder in case the police challenge my age.
As it happens, I shall continue to exercise extreme caution because my husband is 80. Although he’s also fairly active and does a lot of hard physical work around our hilly, five-acre valley in Devon, he does have underlying health issues, and so we need to be extra careful. We know that, and we shall have to live our lives accordingly.
We are incredibly lucky to be isolating in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. And we are blessed to have our daughter, partner and baby grandson isolating with us. Here we can walk out of the house and stroll by the sea without meeting a soul.
I’m very aware that life in solitary confinement, perhaps in a small city flat, is a totally different story. And the pain of being unable to cuddle your grandchildren, watch them grow and forge lasting relationships with them must be intense.
Sadly, my own little family can’t go on like this forever. They will eventually have to return to their own house and to the business of earning a living. So what do we do then? Meet only through Facetime or Zoom or Houseparty? It’s almost unthinkable.
Our grandson will be one year old in August… just before my 70th birthday. Two big milestones. I hope at the very least we shall be allowed to raise a glass in the garden, even if we stay six feet apart. And how do I get
‘I am sensible enough to assess the risks without police enforcement’
back to work in the new world? Will I have to isolate myself from my husband every time I go to a television studio? That may well have to happen. But I am old enough and sensible enough to assess the risks without police enforcement.
We “oldies” are aware that the virus is more dangerous for us and that, if we contract it, we pose a bigger problem for the NHS. But if, in couple of months’ time, I see pictures of pubs and restaurants crowded with younger people, I’m not sure I shall feel it is fair to force me to stay home.
Surely the long-term guidelines should be based on health and medical history, rather than purely on age?
There are real mental health issues to consider if the older generations are singled out for confinement to barracks for the foreseeable future.
Personally, I like the idea put forward by Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, that we might begin to loosen the lockdown by allowing us to set up “bubble units”. We could nominate one or two other households with whom we could freely mix.
This would probably only be sensible among families who aren’t regularly going out to work, but it could provide some comfort and relief after the long weeks of isolation.
Whatever happens, it’s clear that life will not be the same unless and until a vaccine is found.
In my view, most of us over seventies will be among the most cautious about returning to our usual ways. Believe it or not, we’re quite keen on life – especially as we know that we’re now considerably closer to the end of our journey than the start.
So, keep the advice coming; keep us informed about the best scientific and medical guidance. But don’t threaten us with punishment if we choose to take a carefully calculated risk, just like the rest of society.