India is home to nearly 104 million elderly people. With the Covid-19 pandemic wreaking havoc, old age people are the most vulnerable section of any population. Data from Italy and other countries indicate that comorbidity associated with old age killed a lion’s share of infected people. The pandemic has not only taken a physical toll on the elderly but left serious psychological impacts as well.
The global statistics are disturbing as more than 80 per cent of deaths due to Covid-19 are elderly. Most of the elderly who have been infected their conditions become so critical that they have to be shifted immediately to the intensive care units (ICU), and 80 per cent of them may not survive. Experts say the senior citizens’ best shot at surviving COVID-19 is avoiding infection.
The pertinent question that arises is why are the elderly more vulnerable to Covid-19. The elderly are easily susceptible to infections because their immune system is not all that strong and most often, they are likely to have other conditions like diabetes heart ailments or kidney diseases that can make them easy victims to infections.
A person affected by Covid-19, though the symptoms usually start with mild fever and in a couple of days the patient develops respiratory problems where they experience difficulty in breathing. Though there is no breakthrough in finding out a suitable antidote or a vaccine, but precautionary measures can go a long way in helping the elderly safe.
We Indians are blessed with rich traditions of Yoga and Ayurveda. Ayurveda’s Rasayana Therapy is an immunomodulator. This therapy aims to improve body immunity to different diseases. All rasayanas, in general, are nutrition promoters that act through three primary mechanisms. Aswagandha, curcumin, garlic, ginger, and neem play significant roles in Rasayana Therapy. Taking a few drops of lemon in warm water is an immunity booster.
The elderly can practice pranayama for reducing their anxiety and build their fighting capabilities. Various breathing techniques under pranayama have useful benefits on the immune system. A Covid-19 survivor has recommended practice of pranayama for enhancing immunity.
(The writer is the founder of Powerful Teachers, an organisation working for senior citizens.)
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