Corona times 2020 - 12. Wonder what is ahead? My focus is on us seniors who beat the statistics!
Statistics is the new God!
Economic experts apply stats to advice the NaMo government. Suggestion by a few notable ones is to keep spending to help the poor! No matter if it is misused. Forget the system they say! Others use stats to seek funding of huge amounts of money to kick-start the economy. A few urge that the lock down be removed as the stats are either exaggerated or we are over reacting!
Being an ancient myself, I feel afraid that it is the time for 'rakshasas or monsters' lurking among us trying to create mayhem. A rakshasa is known to have the ability to change form at wish! Not easy to spot them as they hide their real identity. Yes it is worrying and confusing times. It will depend on how this pandemic will play out.
As I wondered what is ahead, friend N N Satchitanand, a retired journalist sent me this video. Adding, "A macro view of what India is facing. And this was before Coronavirus hit us."
Perhaps post Coronavirus we will be able to address these problems.
The map below sent by Lt. Gen. Dr. Raghunath (Retd.,) shows different restrictions required at various zones. Very complex to implement I said, and knowing the Indian ways, added it will be chaotic! Used to discipline as an ex. chief of Army Medical Core, he said it can be done and must be implemented to save lives. We need more people like him, though retired, who know what needs to be done!
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| These are crucial issues and I hope seniors with experience are consulted! |
As per the National Health Profile 2019, the average life expectancy of Indians is 68.7 years.
I thought I would focus on the senior vulnerable group about 11.5 crores in number. I have been on quarantine, both self and imposed for a month now. I ponder whether it is my karma that most experts are agreed on one thing? To keep me locked in!
It appears that beating a statistic is a sin! At my age of 80+ it is a no-win situation.
I returned from Eagleton on 18 march after a game of golf. Feeling good after a walk of 8 kms! Regretfully, I chose not to play on that Friday.
Advice for Social distancing had already crept into my psyche.
Advice for Social distancing had already crept into my psyche.
This was before the lock down. We received an advisory from our residents association.
All good but one advice surprised me! "Ask senior citizens to stop going out for the routine walks." It was amusing as there are no juniors living with us to advice and enforce this diktat. The rule, they said, was framed in our interest.
I should have been touched that the committee was willing to sacrifice, the freedom of elders including their elders, for their good and the nation. But my initial reaction was one of shock. After all we are responsible citizens and not kids. Anyway, Tara asked me to cool down. She said everyone is worried and scared for their children. However I did try to make my point!
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The fear psychosis is pervading all over as the covid 19 is spreading relentlessly. There is a new government advisory which asks all those above 60 years(!) to stay at home under lock down. Wonder how NaMo who has the world's most thankless job and seniors like my friend M.N.Lakshminarayan, retired MD of both Bosch and Harmon, will react to this advice. LN is sought after by many well known industries for his considerable knowledge and acumen.
I can't imagine Raji Narayan keeping quiet, she needs to work for the betterment for art and artists. Also my friend, N S Ramakanth, accepting to stop working to keep Bangalore garbage free. And will dear Dr. Meenakshi Bharath, who just became senior, agree to sit at home. It would be sad to ask Tara Kini, mentor for Sunaad to be sitting at home. This is just a small list of seniors we personally know. Oh yes Dr.E V Raman (Even WHO does not say seniors should sit down at home!)
Retirement again is a British gift. We can't blame the bureaucrats for their myopia. If they watch Mahabarath, now shown on DD Bharathi, they will understand! Bhishma, Dronacaharya and Karna were all seniors who were respected and feared for skills and prowess.To retire or not, was their choice. No one would dare suggest it to them.
The advice to isolate is simple. As a result, the fears and prejudices will surface. How will you deal with one who has shown +ve to the tests. The present plan is to quarantine the person, their family and other contacts. Next step is to seal the place. A nightmare in Urban areas.
We do hear of the stupidities of ignorant and scared people attacking Doctors and supporting staff. There are already stories of neighbors being ill-treated, patients who have come home after discharge. There will be stigma attached! Main reason for people to hide the fact till it is too late. The inherent fear and the drama created by a few ill informed groups does not help. Let's not get there! We are all unique and different. I heard that one was shot because he sneezed in front of others. I urge media and other motivators of humanity tell people to go easy. Their influence is enormous.
Seniors are vulnerable, can have serious illness, but they are not a bigger threat than others who are ill. Keeping distance and being normal is the need of the day. Please keep seniors safe but not lock them up! I saw a video wherein the defense minister of Israel, hopefully fake, suggested this.
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From WHO website:
Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible? People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
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