I realize many of us baby boomers feel young and invincible, but I urge you to stay safe during this pandemic. Although anyone can get coronavirus, it’s us baby boomers, specifically those 60 and older, who are most likely to become seriously ill from the disease. If you have underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease, you will need to be very careful.
Like many boomers, I felt young and healthy and didn’t worry too much when all this started.
After all, our generation considers us tougher. Aren’t we the generation that survived by drinking water from a hose and cars without seat belts? To think of all the germs we were exposed to while playing in the mud, digging for worms, and eating the food that was thrown on the ground before the germ phobia kicked in, and we were fine.
Also, look at the age of those who rule the country. President Donald Trump is 73, Nancy Pelosi is 79, and the two remaining candidates for the Democratic nomination, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, are 77 and 78, respectively. They were all still strong. My 87-year-old father kept running despite all the warnings.
The cruel nickname, “Boomer Remover,” referring to the higher death rate among seniors infected with coronavirus, began trending on Twitter. The Washington Post became associated with the term trend by highlighting boomers who ignored CDC advice and refused to make lifestyle changes. On a Facebook page for “The Villages,” a Florida retirement community, most residents seemed to agree that the pandemic was “being overblown.”
Now, I’m not advising boomers to start panicking, but I think it’s time for an attitude adjustment for some of us skeptical boomers who have felt invincible right now.
They were not.
It is important to remember that this disease does not care how old you are or how you feel. Look at boomers Tom Hank and Rita Wilson, both 63, who certainly feel young at heart but have tested positive for the virus.
Here in California, where I live, there have been over 300 cases of coronavirus. Schools in our area have been closed. Bars and breweries have been asked to close and restaurants to cut their capacity by half. Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newson urged all residents over the age of 65 to self-quarantine at home.
“We recognize that social isolation for millions of Californians causes anxiety,” he said. But, “we need to face this moment head-on, stand by and own this moment…and take actions that we believe are commensurate with the need to protect Californians’ most vulnerable.”
Now, President Donald Trump has issued guidelines urging Americans to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people.
It feels like you’re living in a Twilight Zone episode.
So, it’s time to start taking this seriously, my fellow boomers. My husband is 60 and I’m turning 60 this year, so I’m paying attention to all the guidelines. Let me be clear, I am not a medical professional, but I will share some of my research on the specific precautions older adults are recommended to take to protect their health. But remember: Coronavirus recommendations may change as officials learn more, so check your local health department and the CDC for updates.
Here are some tips for people 60 and older based on CDC advice:
* Stock up on supplies, including groceries, household items, and over-the-counter medicines you’ll need if you get sick. Contact your doctor for additional prescription medications you need to have on hand if you are in quarantine.
*Social distancing is the new phrase for 2020. Stay six feet away from other people – think the length of an average dining room table or a pair of skis. Avoid crowds and non-essential travel, especially cruise ships.
* You’ve already heard this, but wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds. Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggests washing your hands while Happy Birthday is sung twice, but other songs will work as well. For example, the chorus of Staying Alive will do the trick: “Whether you’re a brother or a mother/ You stay alive, you stay alive/ You feel the city break and the whole world shakes/ And we stay alive, we stay alive/ Ah , ha ha ha, we keep alive, we keep alive / Ah ha ha ha, we keep alive.” Do you prefer the country? Try the chorus from Dolly Parton’s classic country song, Jolene: “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / I’m begging you, please don’t take my man / Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / Please don’t take me.” take it because yes”. you can.” If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
* Avoid touching your face and frequently touched surfaces in public places: light switches, elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshakes with people, etc. Use a handkerchief or your sleeve to cover your hand if you must touch something. At home, clean and disinfect frequently, especially frequently touched surfaces such as countertops, tables, doorknobs, light switches, toilets, faucets, sinks, and don’t forget your cell phone.
In addition to these precautions, watch for symptoms that may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel you are developing symptoms, stay home and call your doctor. Be sure to tell them that you have or may have coronavirus (COVID-19) so they can protect others from getting sick. Seek medical advice from your healthcare provider. If you have mild symptoms and are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can probably recover at home. If this is the case, the CDC advises you to get medical attention right away if you develop emergency warning signs such as:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
* New confusion or inability to wake up
* Bluish lips or face
This list is not all-inclusive, and the CDC recommends that you see your medical provider for any other symptoms that are “serious or concerning.”
So my fellow boomers, stay safe but stay calm and stay positive.
Personally, I’m taking precautions, but I’m still riding my bike and taking walks outside while keeping my distance from others. If you are in quarantine, be sure to keep in touch with loved ones via text, email, social media, Skype, or FaceTime so you don’t feel isolated.
As Tom Hanks told his fans, “Remember, despite all the current events, there’s no crying in baseball.”