The Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry has issued a lengthy advisory for the physical and mental well-being of senior citizens in these times of COVID-19. Secretary R Subrahmanyam has asked the Chief Secretaries of all States to publicize the advisory in all districts.

There are 8.80 crore seniors in the age-group 60-69, while there are 6.40 crore senior citizens in the age-group 70-79. Assisted elders, those who are above 80 years or who require medical assistance are 2.80 crore in number. Indigent elders (who are homeless or deserted by families) are 0.18 Cr in number.

While all these are particularly vulnerable, those with specific medical conditions are even more vulnerable than others: Those with chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, neurologic conditions, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are among them.

The advisory says that the senior citizens shouldn't come in close contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (like fever, cough, breathing difficulty). They are also asked not to shake hands or hug their friends and near ones, not to go to crowded places, not to cough or sneeze into their bare hands, not to touch their eyes, face and nose, not to self-medicate, not to go to a hospital for a routine check-up or follow-up, and not to invite family members and friends at home.

For their mental well-being, they are requested not to isolate themselves completely or confine themselves in a room. "Don't follow any sensational news or social media posts, and don't spread or share any unverified news or information further," the advisory adds.