I thought it was just me, although friends my age have said they thought the same. We all think we suffered in lockdown, because of less physical activity, through lack of walking and getting about and the lack of interaction with other people, that also caused feelings of anxiety.
But it seems, we are not alone and the latest figures show there is 16% more older people reporting falls, than before covid. Experts reported in a paper published last week, the enforced isolation had taken its toll on mobility, confidence, and the capacity of millions of older people to live independently without extra support. Specialists in older people's health had warned that this was likely to happen because of the lack of stimulation and lack of physical activity.
Furthermore, routine heath and social care services aimed at maintaining or improving physical mobility among older adults in the prevention of falls, had been suspended during the epidemic. Re-engaging with these services have proved to be a challenge for some elderly people, due to lack of confidence in every day activities or loss of physical activity.
Reading this report brought home to me how much it reflected my own reduction in physical activities, it also spoke about increases in weight, increases in type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and anxiety. So its not just me. Its a blessing that I don't have any of these illnesses. Medical people are saying our next epidemic will be the lack of care for the elderly and that care services will be stretched beyond their resources, because of the number of people needing care. Did we need to be told this? I thought it was already a problem, but what I didn't realise was that, lockdown was the cause in some instances of some elderly people no longer confident enough to live independently!
I'm very thankful that I had Dh and that we didn't succumb to covid. However moving house 294 miles away from Leiston Suffolk in June 2021, didn't help us. At our age it was hard and completed floored us. We were months recovering and took our time, not rushing to unpack our 'hundreds' of boxes for the first 2 years!
I think this was a much better idea than I realised, to buy my Rhet Butler! Lots of people have stopped me enquiring about it and remarking on how sturdy it looks.
Did lockdown have an adverse effect on you? But I must admit I do feel a little bit like my old self lately and walking doesn't have that 'ugh' feel any more!
11 comments:
A well researched post, thank you. People should be talking about this. The lockdown itself was part of the problem, everything else that happened added to the despair which a lot of people felt. I live in a village with a lot of elderly people. I see more and more, using sticks and walkers to get around. Lockdown didn't affect me, I carried on doing what I always do.
I think the lockdowns pretty much affected everyone's health, both physically and mentally. I only got Covid last year and it knocked me for six. I don't have any health conditions, so goodness knows what it does to people who have.
I was just talking to someone Sat about the lockdown and how bad it was in so many ways. I think back and realize how it affected everyone.
I was working in a skilled facility at the time and it was awful. I really don't think I could survive it again.
Rhet Butler looks to be a great walking companion. The more walks in the sun the better we all feel. The whole covid thing has changed the way I do things. I avoid all stores when busy and if I must go in, it is with a mask still. During the lock down we were lucky to live in the rural community and I never stopped walking here. And I even rode my bike on the path as much as possible. But there was not human contact that is for sure. I loved your photos of the promenade yesterday.
Covid and the lockdowns affected so many people in so many different ways. With me the lockdown exacerbated a condition I didn't even know I had and has meant constant chronic pain ever since, and having Covid two years after lockdown left me with absolutely no sense of smell. I'm amazed I haven't burnt my house down yet, I have had to rely on timers to let me know when food is ready. Gosh I miss the smell of things, I used to have the most sensitive nose.
I think the UK used covid to control people as lockdown was not done scientifically, we were lucky and at our holiday home in South Africa when the pandemic started and decided to stay. We had a hard lock down for six weeks and we’re only allowed out to shop for groceries at the nearest supermarket or for medical appointments no dog walking. After the initial lockdown we had various levels of restrictions mainly to help hospitals but after a few weeks it was decided that the virus did not spread easily outside so we were able to play bowls go for walks and dine at outside restaurants. After a longer time, cannot remember how long, we were even able to go on holiday in our own province, which we did. In Scotland my granddaughters were not allowed in the parks or go to the wind farm to ride their bikes, the gates were padlocked and the swings were tied up. It has taken a few years for my grandchildren to act as normal children, and during this time our politicians were carrying on as normal have their drink nights and parties.
Walking can get you through many tough time. Depression is eased among other things.
On PEI we could walk the trails during Covid lockdowns. We continued to walk the boardwalk where we could stay away from people but have chats from a distance. It brought us through Covid without much isolation though we didn’t see our family for months. Getting out really helped.
Hi Chris! Lockdowns were a terrible experiment on our lives. I walked a lot and did travel a bit so it didn't bother me too much. Anyway, it was a sacrifice for most. Freedom is our most precious gift from God. andrea
P.S...I was reading your past posts. We moved twice in the last 8 years. (After living in our original house for 35 years). I found it very traumatic and unsettling. Four years into our present home, it is feeling like home. It just takes time and more time as we are older (I feel). andrea
I loved lockdown. One of the most enjoyable times of my life.
Interesting post. I think lockdown and Covid had an effect on me. I lost my job for a start which I found very hard. Even though I only worked part time It got me out of the house and although I didn't socialize with my work colleagues I was interacting with them at work and with people on the phone. I still miss that even four years later, more than I let on. Now I can spend days at a time at home and hardly speak to anyone other than family, can't remember that last time I had a conversation with anyone that wasn't family!
I wouldn't say I was less confident but I'm definitely less happy with myself and my life in general.
Lockdown and restrictions will have a lasting effect on people for years to come, old and young.
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