Stress on Elders During Coronavirus Infection

 Written by: Muhammad Nasir Sirat

Coronavirus is the one that can easily spread to humans in various ways and cause coronavirus disease. According to statistics, all people can be infected with this virus but aged people are more vulnerable and are more at risk than others.

How dangerous is coronavirus anxiety and stress to the elders?

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people and a physician about this issue.

Ms. Zarmena, a resident of Ghorband district, Parwan province says, “When I got coronavirus, I was very anxious, and I was not mentally comfortable. I was afraid of what would happen to my family if I die, and this stress was near to take my life.”

Torab from Chaharasyab district, Kabul province says, "Before I infected with Coronavirus, I was worried and thought that it is a very dangerous disease that has no cure. I had severe pain and my family was sad for me.”

Doctor says, “When elders over fifty years, infect with coronavirus, they are anxious and afraid. The anxiety lowers their body’s immunity and they might suffer some other diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and this anxiety and stress might cause their death.”

What do people think about the causes of fear from coronavirus?

Firoza from Parwan province says, “Elders afraid of coronavirus due to the weakness of their bodies and if they have other diseases and infect with coronavirus, they might not be treated easily.”

Shahzada, a resident of Balkh province says, “Adults are also afraid of coronavirus but elders are afraid more because most of them are suffering from some other diseases and they are afraid that if they infect with coronavirus, they might not be cured soon.”

The doctor says, “Elders are more afraid of coronavirus because the immunity system of their bodies is low and they might be infected more than others. When they are infected with coronavirus, they are afraid that they might not be cured and it causes them mental and psychological stress.

Elders should be encouraged when they with infected with coronavirus and when they are in quarantine. Do not give negative messages to them about coronavirus. Encourage them to study books and walk and convince them that they would be treated soon and never remember them death.”