“My name is Devraj and I am a 62 year old single man. My son is in Mumbai and I stay here in Guwahati, while my daughter stays in California and I have been strictly ordered to follow the self-isolation protocols. Many of my friends are also worried about their health and staying in isolation during this pandemic. I understand it is hard to manage everything alone if you don’t have your kids with you but trust me, I am enjoying my alone time more than ever before. I follow a certain routine and have a thought process which I think will be helpful for other people who read this. 

 Yes, I do feel anxious at times when I see the NEWS and see so many elderly dying due to the virus. But I have also realised that a lot of NEWS being circulated around is fake NEWS. Old pictures of some earthquake victims’ bodies are shared as COVID patients’ pictures and what not. So, I keep myself away from false and scaring news as much as possible. This is something that keeps me positive or at least doesn’t add to my already present anxiety. I have even asked everyone in my circle to send me NEWS items only and only if they know for sure they are true, else not to forward. I have social media accounts also, but login to connect with my friends and not to see irrelevant videos.

I only rely on government sites and WHO site for information.

 Also, though elderly people are the target for this virus, but I think a lot of it also has to do with your own immunity. For that instance, a 93-years-old Thomas and 88-years-old Mriyamma, Kerala, who were diagnosed with COVID19 but returned home fully recovered. I ensure I remain healthy so as to survive COVID.

I suffer from joint pains as well as borderline diabetes. And as per the WHO guidelines, for people like me who have underlying health conditions, I make sure to always have stock of all the medications that I am currently need. I have also prepared a chart of phone numbers of where and how I would get help if needed. These numbers are of people around me especially my neighbours whom I keep informed about any emergency assistance, if needed, like requesting medical care. I think it is important to let people know if you’d need anything otherwise they wouldn’t know things on their own, something I learnt from my daughter and of utmost help during this pandemic time. 

I’ve started exercising a little bit indoors with the help of an app- suggested by my son—simple stretching etc., and drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep myself hydrated. I cook something quick but healthy for myself as my maid isn’t allowed to come but I cook it for two meals together so that I don’t have to bother myself again in the evening. Breakfast is usually eggs, cereals and milk, or sprout. For dinner and lunch too I make one-pot meals—khichdi with all vegetables cooked; daliya with vegetables or something of that sort.

 I’ve started working on my herb garden to keep myself pleasantly occupied. When my tomatoes sprout new fruits, it makes me happy and I have something to look forward to. And every day I have a 20 minutes call with my daughter and my son. If possible we also have a 30-40 minutes video call and it keeps us connected even if we are far away. 

I have a small two bedroom house set in which I have closed up the part of the house that does not get used. This ways I can save up on cleaning. The only part of the house being used and cleaned is my bedroom, kitchen and part of drawing room. It is tough but I see it as an exercise.

This routine works really well for me and even though I am a bit worried at times about my family’s health and mine too, I think this patch will go away soon.”

Just as Devraj says, keeping a healthy routine during these tough times gives you a sense of purpose while living alone. Even though you are old, doesn’t always mean you will be infected by the virus. 

1) Follow the safety guidelines of Mask- Sanitizers - Washing Hands every time you go out of the house. 

2) Try not to self-medicate at any instance of time. If you have exhausted your supply of medicines, call your doctor and consult for alternatives. 

3) Stay connected, not just with your family but friends too. Call them, talk about the daily events, likes and dislikes and more.

4) Don’t be harsh on yourself. It is okay to feel anxious and depressed in such times, acknowledge your emotions and then try to work on the why’s and how’s of eradicating them.

5) Take up new tasks like writing, reading, creating music, painting, whatever that gives you joy.