Category: Parenting

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Worried about breastfeed in Covid era?

Immediate and continued skin-to-skin care, including kangaroo mother care, maintains the body temperature of new-borns and is associated with improved survival among new-born babies… says Amrita Desai.

Covid era is a tough time to all people around the world, especially for moms to be and feeding mothers. Throughout the pandemic, expecting mothers and new mothers have been faced with a slew of concerns and questions about the virus and the entire vaccination process. As the months have passed, this concern has been evident in lactating mothers as well.

Amrita Desai, Assistant Manager — Lactation Consultant, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, answers questions related to breastfeeding:

Can Covid-19 be transmitted through breastfeeding?

Transmission of active Covid-19 (virus that can cause infection) through breast milk and breastfeeding has not been detected to date. There is no reason to avoid or stop breastfeeding.

Can a mother with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 breastfeed her baby?

Yes. Women with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so. They should:

* Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub and especially before touching the baby;

* Wear a medical mask during any contact with the baby, including while feeding;

* Sneeze or cough into a tissue. Then dispose of it immediately and wash hands again;

* Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces that mothers have touched.

It is important to replace medical masks as soon as they become damp and dispose of them immediately. Masks should not be reused or touched in the front.

Following delivery, should a baby still be immediately placed skin-to-skin and breastfed if the mother is confirmed or suspected to have Covid-19?

Yes. Immediate and continued skin-to-skin care, including kangaroo mother care, maintains the body temperature of newborns and is associated with improved survival among newborn babies. Placing the newborn close to the mother also enables early initiation of breastfeeding. Both these can help in decreasing neonatal mortality.

If a mother has Covid-19 and is too unwell to breastfeed what can be done?

If a mother is too unwell to breastfeed her baby due to Covid-19 or has other complications or is separated from the baby, she should be supported to safely provide her baby with breast milk in a way possible, available, and acceptable to her.

This could include:

* Expressing milk

* Donor human milk

If expressing breast milk or providing donor human milk is not possible then options of wet nursing (another woman breastfeeds the child) or infant formula milk (with measures to ensure that it is feasible, correctly prepared, safe and sustainable) can be explored.

Can a breastfeeding woman get vaccinated against Covid-19?

As per the new ICMR guidelines released on July 2, 2021, breastfeeding mothers should get themselves vaccinated against Covid-19 without any hesitation. The anti-bodies that are developed in the mother as a result of the vaccination get passively transferred to the baby while breastfeeding and could be helpful to the child. Recent evidence and studies suggest that after vaccination, antibodies are found in breast milk, which may help protect the baby against Covid-19. The numerous benefits of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding substantially outweigh the potential risks of transmission and illness associated with Covid-19.

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Great health! The best gift for your father

It is easy to forget to drink enough water in the rush to do things. But this can be detrimental to your father’s efficiency, may lead to brain fog and may even lower their immunity…writes Siddhi Jain.

Parenting is a serious topic in our society and taking care of parents is also very important topic to be discussed and practiced. The pandemic has caused many of us to reimagine our lifestyle and take cognizance of the potential health risks. Give your father the gift of great health by getting him to adopt a wise sodium-intake diet and a little bit of exercise. Ensure he makes small lifestyle changes for positive impact, starting with these four tips.

Check his BP

The connection between excess sodium intake and high blood pressure (hypertension) is an open secret. World Hypertension Day that went by in May also reminded us of the importance of keeping this silent killer in check. In fact, it has been found that regulating one’s salt intake in the diet can prove very effective in getting one’s BP under control. So, help your father rein in his salt intake by using iodized salt with low sodium, for example — Salt with at least 15 per cent less sodium from a trusted brand. Another effective strategy is to help them switch to alternative flavourings: wedges of cut lemon, chili flakes and black pepper powder, onion powder, and garlic powder are good options. Herbs like coriander, parsley, mint, oregano, thyme, and basil work well too.

Try this: Mix 5 parts roasted and powdered sesame seeds with 1 part salt (high quality iodized salt), and use as a flavouring. The fact is that although the total requirement of iodine for an adult adds up to less than a spoonful as there is no storage organ for iodine in the body, it is necessary for iodine to be included in our daily diet. Salt works as a very effective medium for this purpose and will help them meet their iodine requirement too.

Colour therapy

Ensure that they eat a plate full of palatable colour. A colourful diet that is the easiest and most effective way to ensure well-being and to keep myriad diseases at bay. And what better time than during Father’s Day to reiterate the importance of this simple rule of rainbow eating to our fathers. This simple step will pay rich dividends in terms of better health and longevity for them.

Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.

It is easy to forget to drink enough water in the rush to do things. But this can be detrimental to your father’s efficiency, may lead to brain fog and may even lower their immunity. To prevent dehydration, share with them this simple plan: Begin the day with 2 glasses of water. Finish 1 litre of water by lunchtime and then another by dinner time. Also have an additional glass of warm water after every meal. This will take care of their daily water needs.

Don’t miss out on exercise

Lockdown and the virus has interfered with everyone’s exercise regime: accessing gyms are tough and stepping out for walks is not easy. But this is no reason to stop movement completely. After all, they need to burn off those extra calories (and also need some extra help from endorphins to keep the moody blues away) now more than ever. So ask your father to get creative. Take short walks after dinner by walking around the house or in the balcony /garden (however small or big it might be), or enroll them in an online yoga class.

With health being front and centre in these times, ensure your father has the best shot at a healthy life ahead. (Tips by Kavita Devgan, Nutritionist, Tata Salt)

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Struggling with WFH and parenting?

The bad news is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this dilemma. The good news also is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution! If there’s no right answer, then at least, you’re not going to be wrong…writes Neerja Birla.

The life of WFH parents and the struggle they face in daily life is common in modern life. Am I doing It right? This is a question that many parents are asking themselves in the new environment of lockdowns and quarantines.

Long before the pandemic, words like ‘stress, worry, guilt, fear’ have been part of the emotional lexicon as a working parent. With remote working, social distancing, health and wellness issues, and all the uncertainty of the pandemic, everything feels like it’s ten times harder than before.

Most parents I know would agree that while working from home has its pros and cons, a year into it, we all are still struggling with the dilemma of how best to juggle a full-time job, be present as a parent, and find some time for ourselves.

One of the much-touted benefits of remote working is the flexibility it offers in one’s work schedule. Work-From-Home (WFH) is perhaps the biggest disruption to the concept of the formal workspace since its advent in the 1800s. The rigours of a 9 to 5 job have been replaced with a work ‘where you are, when you can’ approach. Most of us save a lot of time and energy in a day, now that we don’t have to battle the great urban commute.

Ideally, it is supposed to enable people to live a more stress-free life. For example, take a virtual meeting in the morning, help the kids set up for their online classes, do some more work, take a break to do chores around the house, spend time with the kids, do some more work, have family meals together, etc.

While this sounds quite utopian, the reality is far from it. If you appreciate dark humour, you’ll see what I mean when I say that one is always ‘dashing’ these days — dashing off because your kids need you in the middle of work and dashing off because your work needs you when you’re with your kids. It feels like one is doing more work than ever before — both as a professional and as a parent. There’s a sense of guilt that one is not doing justice to either.

The lines between work and home have become so blurred that we’re all used to seeing the insides of our colleagues’ houses, and it’s almost normal when someone must take a break to deal with a domestic crisis in the middle of work. The routines that you spent most of your adult life setting up, have been thrown out of the window. The new normal doesn’t feel normal at all. So, how does one regain one’s balance again?

The bad news is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this dilemma. The good news also is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution! If there’s no right answer, then at least, you’re not going to be wrong.

I feel that it comes down to finding a ‘rhythm’ more than a balance. Instead of trying to replace routines and schedules, I think it helps to think of it as finding a fluid rhythm to one’s day. Instead of making strict plans, I find that it helps to factor in all the major priorities of the week, and then to move things around that. This would create enough wiggle room to do things when they’re needed. For example, it’s one of those days where your kids are in a happy place, and they want to spend more time with you. Instead of sticking to your routine and then feeling guilty or sad all day that you couldn’t be with them, try moving things around so you have a couple of hours to spend with the kids and then catch up to your schedule later on.

Similarly, suppose you have some work that needs you to be absolutely focused, or its one of those days when you feel inspired and would like some alone time to work distraction-free, it’s a good idea to trade ‘do not disturb’ time with your partner or a family member so that they can be in charge while you work. You could do the same for them as well. Instead of a strict routine that you feel you must live and die by, allow yourself to try a softer, more fluid rhythm where you can make the best of each moment. I find that the best part about this approach is that it allows you to address your needs and wants in the present, taking away that feeling of missing out, or not doing enough. The act of moving things around to suit what best needs to be done in each moment will also give you a sense of control and help you feel less overwhelmed in the long run.

One of the things that has helped me find my daily rhythm is to think of things in terms of the things I ‘must’ do, and the things I ‘can’ do, instead of worrying over all the things I ‘should’ do. Another strategy that I’d espouse is to do multiple tasks, but not multi-task. For example, you could have a variety of different things you need to do in a day, but you do them one at a time. Trying to being mindful and present in every moment really helps to keep the stress away.

Be your own best friend. Be compassionate to yourself and above all, be kind to yourself. You are doing the best you can, and that really is enough.

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Yoga to boost kids’ memory

Asanas like Shavasana, Navasana, Tolasana, Suryanamaskar, Chakrasana helps in strengthening the overall being of kids. It aims to develop both physical health as well as cognitive skills in children…writes Puja Gupta.

Over these years Yoga has grown into a tradition and habit for some people. According to a National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health survey, 1 in 12 children practices yoga. Over the years, yoga has become increasingly popular among Indian children. It helps in improving balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity. It can also help to boost memory, self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behaviour, thereby reducing anxiety and stress in children.

As we approach International Yoga Day, Tata Sky Fitness is introducing Yoga Ki Paathshala, by Shrradha Setalvad. The series will focus on 3F’s — Fitness for the body, Focus on the mind, and Fun for the soul. Setalvad explains in details the 3Fs:

Fitness for body

Asanas like Shavasana, Navasana, Tolasana, Suryanamaskar, Chakrasana helps in strengthening the overall being of kids. It aims to develop both physical health as well as cognitive skills in children. It opens the energy channels throughout the body, increasing flexibility of the spine, strengthening bones, and stimulating the circulatory and immune systems. Along with proper breathing, these poses or asanas also calm the mind and reduce stress.

Focus on mind

Asanas like Pranayama, Padmasana, Sukhasana, and others, help a child to be aware of themselves and help them control their emotions. These act as a tool for calming and energizing the child to develop a state-of-relaxed mind, which is crucial for learning. It also develops social-emotional awareness, body awareness and coordination, and interpersonal skills.

Fun for soul

Children can adapt to all kinds of exercise and practicing yoga asana at an early age can lead them to having a healthy head start in life. In this fast-paced world, it helps to rejuvenate kids inside-out. The meditative pose helps to relax both our mind and body. It promotes spiritual awakening and awareness of higher consciousness. It is a perfect choice if you want a holistic approach to mind and body strength.

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Naturally connect kids with nature

It will help sharpen their observation skills. Don’t encourage children to pluck flowers or leaves as that would undermine the process of teaching them to respect the environment…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.

Lockdown life for kids is truly difficult for parents too. Urban lifestyles and heavy dependence on digital technology means children are spending less time with nature, which can affect their mental and physical wellbeing. Children flourish best when allowed to spend more time with nature. Nurturing their love for nature can make them happier because it helps them create a bond of adventure, discovery and beauty with nature. It also makes them sharp thinkers and better innovators by enhancing their observation skills and fuelling their curiosity. Ekta Ohri, founder, Litjoys, shares some life hacks on how to connect children to nature in simple ways:

At Home: Get younger children to help you to water plants, or feed birds. Let them observe the different plants in the house, or the birds that come to visit. Get them to observe not just flora and fauna but even the environment around. Let them see the shape of the clouds, sunrise, sunsets as well as the moon and stars. We might be locked at home right now, but these simple tasks are possible and very enjoyable for young children.

Outdoors: Young children love to collect things and enjoy the tactility of different shapes and textures. Nature offers a rich treasure trove of discovery for them, which can be a wonderful way to begin to introduce them to nature. Let them collect flowers, pebbles, twigs, or even leaves from the ground, and observe the different shapes and textures of these. It will help sharpen their observation skills. Don’t encourage children to pluck flowers or leaves as that would undermine the process of teaching them to respect the environment.

Identifying textures and shapes like this is also good for brain development. As they grow a bit older, take them for nature walks in your complex or parks, where they can observe the different colours and shapes of the trees, point out birds, insects and small animals to them. ‘My Gulmohar Tree’ is a story with real-life photographs that will make children fall in love with trees and greens and inculcate values of respecting nature and protecting our environment. Let them have respect for all living things, from chameleons for their beauty of changing colour to the butterflies and bees.

Travel and Visits: Travel is a great way to get to know nature, whether it’s other cities, beaches or visits to Sanctuaries and Parks closer to your home. Encourage visits to the National Parks, as opposed to only the Zoo. The former lets children observe animals and nature in their natural environment as opposed to behind a cage. Many cities have Butterfly Gardens and Nature Sanctuaries as well as Botanical Gardens, so do plan trips accordingly. Even on the beach, there are many things to observe from the colours of the sea and sky, as well as shells and small sea creatures. By doing small activities children learn better.

For this Litjoys has a Little Collector’s Passport travel game, which is an innovative kids travel scrapbook with stamps and flags stickers booklet through which parents can keep their children constructively engaged in different locations (flights/trains, restaurants, etc) while on holiday. It also helps in keeping kids engaged at home through learning about symbols of 48 countries across the world in a fun way! A great way for parents to develop their children’s observation, cognitive thinking and creative writing skills.

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READ MORE-Nutritious choices for kids

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Nutritious choices for kids

Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, or spinach are some vegetables to include in your child’s diet…writes Puja Gupta.

Mothers are always worried about nutritional choices for kids. The right food can help you improve your memory, concentration, and brain function. The brain, like the rest of the body, absorbs nutrients from the food we eat. Therefore, it is very important for kids to consume highly nutritious food which are brain-boosters. Dietician Vidhi Chawla suggests some:

Eggs

Filling your child’s breakfast plate with a combination of carbs, protein, and a small amount of healthy fat will help him or her stay energised throughout the day. Eggs are high in protein and as an added bonus they contain choline, which aids memory.

Oily Fish

Oily fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial for brain development and health. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary components of the cell’s building blocks. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna, trout, sardines, and herring are high in omega-3 fatty acids and should be consumed once a week.

Oats/oatmeal

Oatmeal and oats are excellent sources of energy and “fuel” for the brain. They are high in fibre, which keeps kids satisfied and prevents them from snacking on junk food. They’re also high in vitamins E, B complex, and zinc, which help kids’ brains function at their best. Use any topping, such as apples, bananas, blueberries, or even almonds over it.

Colourful veggies

Coloured vegetables are rich in anti-oxidants, which help to keep brain cells healthy. Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, or spinach are some vegetables to include in your child’s diet. It’s simple to incorporate vegetables into spaghetti sauces or soups.

Milk, yogurt and cheese

Milk, yoghurt, and cheese are high in protein and B vitamins, which are necessary for the growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes, all of which play important roles in the brain. These foods are also high in calcium, which is necessary for the development of strong and healthy teeth and bones. Children’s calcium requirements vary depending on their age, but two to three calcium-rich sources should be consumed each day. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t like milk; there are other ways to include dairy in his or her diet: When making porridge, puddings, or pancakes, use milk instead of water.

Beans

Beans are a great source of protein and vitamins and minerals for your children. Kidney and pinto beans contain Omega 3 more than any other beans. Sprinkle mixed beans on salad, mash them and spread them on pita pockets, or combine them with shredded lettuce and cheese to make the perfect sandwich filler.

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Steps to comfort kids in summer

Probably the most important summer tip — more so for Indians baking under the tropical sun. Apply sunscreen early, and often, especially if the children spend time outdoors…writes Siddhi Jain.

Proper caring for kids is a tough task for parents in all seasons. It’s Summertime and temperatures are already soaring close to 40 degrees Celsius. The sun is scorching and humidity is hitting us in the face like a sauna.

Schools are off and while in addition to lockdowns, many children are home because of summer vacations and online classes, but parents still need to ensure protection of little ones from ill effects of the season. Follow these simple tips by Manoj Jain, Director, Scram.in to navigate through these sticky weeks like a pro and keep your children safe and comfortable this summer.

Stick to shade for the tiny tots

Keep newborns, especially those under six months, out of direct and indirect sunlight. Young infants have not developed sweat glands, meaning they have no natural way off cooling off. Add in the fact children’s body temperatures can rise up to five times faster than adults, and babies have no way to tell you they’re uncomfortable! The perfect way to prevent heatstroke is by keeping them in the shade – under a tree or an umbrella – even when outdoors.

Make hats mandatory

A lightweight wide brimmed hat is perfect to keep your little ones cooler when they’re playing outdoors. It not only blocks out the brightness, they protect otherwise exposed hair, eyes, face, ears and neck from sun damage and harmful UV rays.

Cover up in comfort clothing

Stick to natural cotton outfits for your precocious tots this season. They’ll likely be sweating buckets while running around causing mayhem, and loose, light clothing not only allows their skin to breathe, but also absorbs moisture from the skin, preventing pesky itchy heat rashes.

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

Keep their water bottles filled and handy at all times. Not only does drinking water often replenish lost fluids due to excessive sweating, taking a few gulps every now and then makes them feel instantly cooler even from the inside.

Slather on the SPF

Probably the most important summer tip — more so for Indians baking under the tropical sun. Apply sunscreen early, and often, especially if the children spend time outdoors. Sunscreen protects your little ones’ delicate skin from the harmful (and sometimes cancer-causing) ultra-violet rays of the sun. Go for a brand that offers a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30, contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, has broad-spectrum coverage (against UVA and UVB rays), and is water-resistant. Make sure to lotion them up at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, and don’t forget to top it up every few hours, as a sunscreen’s SPF is only fully effective for up to two hours after you put it on.

Keep a close eye

Lastly, remember to always lookout for signs of heat illness. No matter our best efforts, sometimes life and kids can get the better of us. So pay attention to these tell-tale warnings that can signal an oncoming problem. Signs of heat exhaustion in children may include elevated body temperature; cool, clammy skin; goosebumps; fainting, dizziness or weakness; headache; increased sweating; increased thirst; irritability; muscle cramps; and nausea and/or vomiting.

If your notice any of the above, it’s best to immediately bring your child into the shade, cool them off with wet towels or sponges, and encourage them to drink fluids with electrolytes. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor when in doubt!

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Get rid of mom guilt with simple ideas

Self-respect and confidence are feelings that well up from within when you make time to do the necessary internal work…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Motherhood has been glorified in most of the communities. Culturally, we view motherhood through a rainbow coloured lens of numerous emotions and feelings, which makes it look easy, satisfying, and beautiful. While it is a beautiful creation of nature, sometimes we get blindsided by the weight on the shoulders of overwhelmed mothers.

Often caught with the roles and responsibilities of motherhood, women find it hard to navigate through the journey of developing their individuality. This results in a physical and emotional fallout, lack of self-respect and sometimes even losing confidence.

Samira Gupta, a life coach and Image Consultant said, ‘if mothers are not happy with themselves, they will not be able to make everyone around them happy. They have to learn to fill their cup first’. Here are some tips to build the lost self-respect and confidence:

Get rid of the cloud of expectations – Most mothers spend their lives fulfilling others’ expectations. In the quest of making others happy they forget to honour themselves. This leaves them stressed, unfulfilled, un-happy, angry or sad. When we feel such negative emotions, we tend to transmit them into our families.

Work on your internal well-being – Self-respect and confidence are feelings that well up from within when you make time to do the necessary internal work. This could mean fulfilling your dreams, developing your professional life, travelling, or even taking the time in the morning to rejuvenate your soul.

The feel-good factor – Feeling good about yourself can happen through big social validations or through daily personal appreciation. This feeling can be felt in as little as 5 minutes in a day. You don’t have to go on a week-long retreat or spend a lot of money in a massage parlour. Journaling, meditating, exercising- whatever works for you, do it every single day. It changes everything.

Take care of yourself for your children – Our children watch every single thing we do, they are watching this too. They will model your behavior from what they observe. If you are a person who actively takes care of them, loves them, they will do that too.

Nurture yourself – It is a motherly instinct to nurture, and the one person they should nurture throughout their lives is themselves. Coach Samira always advocates for mothers to engage in non-negotiable self-prioritization and to get rid of the ‘mom-guilt.

When you indulge in these practices, a sense of elation will beam out of every cell of your body and transmit to your families. Naturally, you will feel happier, more grounded, and calmer.

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Child sexual abuses on the rise in Pakistan

As many as 2,960 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in the media, according to Sahil’s annual report published in March this year, representing a four per cent increase compared to 2019…reports Asian Lite News

Child sexual abuse cases are rising steadily in Pakistan and both boys are girls are vulnerable to such horrific attacks, which involves influential people as well.

Barkat Ali Ansari, Sindh Provincial Coordinator of Sahil, an organisation working for child protection, told The Express Tribune that in many child sexual cases, influential people are involved, so cases are not registered.

“The influential people tell police they will decide something [with the family] on the issue between themselves and the case does not end getting registered the case. Moreover, police also don’t register cases without medical reports,” he said.

Ansari further informed that in most sexual violence cases, the culprits are known to their victims, such as neighbours, family friends, teachers or even relatives.

As many as 2,960 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in the media, according to Sahil’s annual report published in March this year, representing a four per cent increase compared to 2019.

An analysis of the data reveals that in 2020, out of the total reported cases, 985 cases were reported of sodomy, 787 cases were rape, 89 cases were pornography and child sexual abuse, and 80 cases were reported of murder after child sexual abuse, whereas 834 cases were reported of abduction, reported The Express Tribune.

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Sexual abuse against boys is much more common than people believe, according to Developmental Psychologist at the Aga Khan University Waliyah Mughis.

“Both, female and male victims can struggle to be believed by others but the taboo surrounding male child victims maybe even higher. Regardless of gender, the harmful effects of sexual violence are the same for males and females: guilt, self-blame, anger, fear, confusion, distrust, difficulty at school and work, difficulty forming and maintaining trusting relationships, increased risk of substance misuse and self-harm,” she said.

The Imran Khan-led government has the resources to work in this area but has done little to mitigate the problem, as millions of rupees has been allocated which lapses for not being utilised, and every year the government cannot establish a proper system to protect children, reported The Express Tribune.

Ansari said that the Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) Act introduced in 2011 but the provincial government has taken no positive steps to implement these provisions that are in the greatest interest of the people.

“These children have to appear in courts later and if they are traumatised, they cannot speak before their abusers. Therefore, there is a need to provide them counselling and family support,” said Ansari.

Elaborating about the impact on children, Mughis said: “The effect of the trauma can continue into adulthood, especially if not dealt with at the right time. Such violence and harassment can affect a child’s thought process, feelings, mental and physical health, the quality of their relationships, their faith and trust in others, as well as their occupational and academic success.”

Some children may become withdrawn and isolate themselves from others, while other children may act more emotionally and sexually mature than is age-appropriate for them, she says, reported The Express Tribune.

She also highlighted that children are not taken for counselling because it takes them longer to get past the trauma of sexual abuse, yet there is no substitute for professional help and family support.

Out of the total 2,960 reported cases in 2020, 1,915 (65 per cent) cases were reported from rural areas, while 1,045 (35 per cent) cases are reported from urban areas, The Express Tribune reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pakistan literacy rate remains stagnant at 60%
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Remember people behind wrinkled faces

It is not about sharing physical space but more about making elders a part of our mental space…writes Siddhi Jain.

Loneliness is global phenomenon that most of the people would have gone through such kind of situations at least once in life. Loneliness is a global phenomenon. As per a report, in the USA, more than one-third of adults above 45 years of age feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of the elderly above 65 years are considered to be socially isolated. In India, over 40 million elderlies are aged 70 years and above. As the population in India ages, more and more seniors will be at risk for concerns related to mental health and social well being, believes Neha Sinha, Dementia Specialist and CEO and Co-Founder of Epoch Elder Care.

Very often we see the terms loneliness and depression interchangeably used especially in the context of the elderly. When an elderly is quiet, or does not share or talk, it is written off as depression. It’s important to understand what Clinical Depression actually is.

Depression is a mental health disorder and much more than just ‘low mood’- it is also the continued feeling of hopelessness over weeks combined with lack of sleep and appetite. There are many causes of clinical depression and it could be a combination of social, psychological and biological factors. If you are clinically depressed, you may have all like- minded friends in front of you, but you will still not want to talk to them.

Doris Wildgoose, 99, receives her second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Hyde Leisure Centre in Greater Manchester, Britain, on Jan. 7, 2021. (Photo by Jon Super/Xinhua/ians)

Depression is biological in nature and often needs medication. Loneliness, on the other hand, is the feeling of not ‘being connected’ and lack of affection in current relationships. Loneliness is an important indicator of social well being and feeling isolated.

Unfortunately, loneliness is even seen as a ‘hallmark’ of ageing. It is never caused because of a single reason but an array of multiple factors. A death of a loved one (spouse, friends, and worst, at times, even one’s own child), restricted mobility preventing elders from stepping outside and chronic illnesses leading to poor quality of life are circumstances seen commonly. In addition, slow processing of information, technological inadequacy, or reduced sight and hearing do play a role as well. In the year of the pandemic, social distancing and lockdown due to Covid-19, adversely impacted the elderly worldwide, said Neha Sinha.

Loneliness puts elders at risk of dementia, heart disease or stroke, clinical depression, suicidal thoughts and an overall feeling of a purposeless and meaningless life. It leads to serious health-related consequences and at times can also be fatal.

Humans are social by nature, and a social ecosystem is a key element to help improve the quality of life of elders. Being able to talk about one’s stories, sharing moments and occasions with friends and family and feeling ‘wanted’, give a sense of purpose to any individual, shares the expert.

Ironically, many elders who continue to stay under the same roof as family members may still be lonely. It is not about sharing physical space but more about making elders a part of our mental space. Concern and conversations need to go beyond medical check ups and physical health but instead need to remember the people behind these wrinkled faces. Who are they, what is their sense of identity, what defines meaningful living for them.

Companionship is one of the most sought after things as we age, much more than accumulated wealth and fame. Being part of a community is another such thing. Be it seeking company in the neighbourhood club, a spiritual group or simply staying in a residential community or care home- each plays a critical role in the wellbeing of an elder.

Technology will continue to play a role in elder care, including managing loneliness. Recent study in 2020 in the UK has shown that robots are found to assist humans in improving mental health and loneliness in older people. Though technology is an aid, it is the little things that we can do that count to help fight this disease of loneliness, concluded Sinha.

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