The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the government of India along with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Department of Geriatric Medicine, AIIMS Delhi released an advisory to be followed by all senior citizens and their care givers to protect them during these hard times of Coronavirus spread all over the nation. The advisory was signed by IAS R. Subrahmanyam and released on 13th April 2020. Financial stress? Health worries? Confused by government advisories? We break it down for you with clarity and care — because your peace of mind matters most. Subscribe to Seniors Ki Saathi — India’s first voice-led wellness platform for seniors — and stay informed, safe, and empowered. With our Emotional SOS Keywords System, daily brain spark activities like memory games and puzzles, Hello Zindagi with Dr. Mansi wellness sessions, and trusted tech/health tips of the day, we’re here to guide you through every stage of healthy, happy aging. Especially in times of crisis, authentic information can be your best shield.
The advisory was prepared keeping in mind the following persons
1). For persons above age 60, especially with following health conditions,
2). Cancer
3). Diabetes
4). Hypertension
5). Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
6). Chronic neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke
7). Chronic kidney disease
8). Chronic liver disease, such as alcoholic, and viral hepatitis
9). Chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, post tuberculous sequelae, interstitial lung disease.
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For senior citizens who are mobile
| S. No. | DO’s | DON’Ts |
| 1. | Clean frequently touched objects such as spectacles. | Go to crowded places like markets, parks and religious places. |
| 2. | Take your daily prescribed medicines regularly. | Self – medicate |
| 3. | Remain actively mobile at home. Consider doing light exercise and yoga. | Touch your eyes, face or nose. |
| 4. | Maintain hygiene by washing hands. Especially before meals and after using washroom. This can be done by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. | Come in close contact with someone displaying symptoms of Coronavirus such as cough, fever and breathing difficulty. |
| 5. | Sneeze and cough into tissue paper/handkerchief. After coughing or sneezing dispose of the tissue paper in a closed bin. Wash your handkerchief and hands. | Go directly to hospital for routine check up or follow up. Make tele-consultation with your healthcare provider. |
For caregivers of dependent seniors
| S. No. | DO’s | DON’Ts |
| 1. | Monitor their health regularly. | Keep senior citizens completely bed-bound. |
| 2. | Wash your hands before helping the older individual. | Touch the Senior Citizen without washing hands. |
| 3. | Clean the surfaces which are frequently used including walking cane, walker, wheel-chair, bedpan etc. | Go near senior citizens if suffering from fever/cough/breathing difficulty. |
| 4. | Ensure proper food and water intake by senior citizens. | |
| 5. | Cover nose and mouth adequately using a tissue or cloth while attending on the senior citizen. |
Contact help-line :- +91-11-23978046, if the anyone has the following symptoms:
- New-onset, continuous cough, shortness of breath
- Unusually poor appetite, inability to feed
- Fever, with or without body ache
For mental well-being of senior citizens
| S No. | DO’s | DON’Ts |
| 1. | Communicate with relatives at home. | Confine oneself in a room. |
| 2. | Rediscover old interests like painting, listening to music, reading. | Isolate yourself. |
| 3. | Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other drugs to avoid loneliness or boredom. | Follow any sensational news or social media posts. |
| 4. | If you have an already existing mental illness, call helpline (08046110007) | Spread or share any unverified news or information further. |
| 5. | Make sure to access and believe only the most reliable sources of information. |
Following these very simple steps we can keep our senior citizens safe from illness during this tough time. Moreover, we whole heartedly request all our beloved seniors to take extra care of themselves because you are very special to us.
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