Measures to be taken by older adults against the coronavirus

Yossi Meystel, founder and manager of Aperion Care has published detailed advice for older adults, a group of the population that is at increased risk for more severe COVID-19 symptoms. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. People of any age with serious chronic health conditions are also at increased risk.

Here are the key tips offered by Meystel for preparing older adults and their caregivers for a coronavirus outbreak in your community, adapted from the CDC's list of tips for older adults:

Stay prepared

• Have a COVID-19 plan for yourself and create one for your loved ones. Check them often.

• Make a list of your daily medications and the time of day you take them. That way, a caregiver can help you if you get sick.

• Get a 30-day supply of your prescription drugs.

• Stock up on tissues and over-the-counter medications for fever, cough, and other symptoms that may appear.

• Have enough food and household products to make you comfortable staying home for a few weeks. Make sure you have enough supplies.

• Create an emergency contact list.

• If you have a caregiver, make sure you have a backup plan in case your caregiver gets sick.

• If you are a caregiver, monitor the food, supplies, and medical needs (such as oxygen, dialysis, and wound care) of the person in your care, and have a backup plan.

Practice healthy habits

• When coughing or sneezing, cover yourself with a tissue or cough or sneeze into the crease of the arm, then wash your hands.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth without washing your hands.

• Clean your hands often. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

• If you don't have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and things you touch frequently. This includes tables, chairs, doorknobs, light switches, handrails, counter tops, elevator buttons, remote controls, shared electronic devices, shared exercise equipment, handles, desks, telephones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.

As the situation around the new coronavirus (COVID-19) is constantly changing, Yossi Meystel tries to share the best information available to protect the health of the public, especially among older adults. Now is the time to stay informed and follow basic tips to protect ourselves and others.