Above 60 yrs at high risk

Centre’s advisory alerts elderly are particularly susceptible to infections

Around 35 lakh people in Telangana aged 60 years and above could be seriously at risk from the Coronavirus.

According to an advisory issued by the Central government, this section of the vulnerable population ‘is particularly susceptible to infections during the Covid times’, especially those with chronic preexisting conditions. People above the age of 60 should not leave their homes except to seek medical attention, the advisory has said.

The central advisory says that according to the 2011 Census, India has approximately 16 crore senior citizens aged above 60 years. Of these, 8.8 crore are between 60 and 69 years of age, while 6.4 crore are between 70 and 79 years of age. Assisted elders — those aged above 80 years — number about 2.8 crore, while an additional .18 crore aged persons are destitute, either homeless or have been abandoned by their families.

State government figures showed 32 lakh people as Aasara old age pension scheme beneficiaries when the scheme was launched in 2014. It was meant for those above 60 years and in the intervening years, their numbers have risen. According to estimates, Telangana currently would have 35 lakh or more people who are above the age of 60.

As most people in this age group have some pre-existing health condition, they are very vulnerable to Coronavirus infection and should stay at home. Even at home, they should maintain a minimum of one metre distance from other members of the family, the advisory said.

The younger members of such families have been advised to cover nose and mouth when attending to the needs of the elders. Anyone who suffers from chronic heart or respiratory ailments, kidney, liver, neurological disorders, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer is susceptible to infections in present circumstances, the advisory said.