In total shock over today’s events

[Roukaya]

I can now see the relationship between the anxiety of the mind and the body which gives rise to IBS

The fear is beginning to set in and the anxiety ensues

I volunteer for Age UK and as a result of today’s directions the staff are not able to attend

Again this saddens me , the elderly the socially excluded and marginalised are being denied the advice and practical help when they need it the most

I live a very solitary life even more that my travel overseas is now restricted

But I will assist with the advice on the phone and may be go in twice a week to advise on the phones

But how sad I am , my little carefree free life restricted but again how I emphasise with the isolation and loneliness of the elderly who work throughout their life’s and to find in the silver years there is in some cases no one for them

[LilMissBear]

I too have been worried about the elderly who do not have anyone during this time, and I hope the government will put something in place to ensure they still get their groceries and any medical attention they need. However, I do think we need to remember why the government is asking this of us. In Italy their health service is so overwhelmed that reports suggest they are having to leave their elderly untreated. Which is a situation we do not want to find ourselves in, it would be truly awful.

[Hidden in reply to LilMissBear]

Yes I agree with you in that not only the elderly but younger people will be in isolation and also those with mental health issues will be affected, my daughter being one. I do think this is the right decision for now as it will save our hospitals being overrun with elderly and vulnerable people. We certainly don't want to be in the position that Italy is in for sure.

[LilMissBear in reply to Hidden]

A lot of people are suggesting we see this time as 'self care' time rather than using the word 'isolation', as it has such negative connotations. So some suggestions are to use the time to learn a new skill, like knitting/crochet, yoga/Pilates, write a blog, practice drawing or painting skills, have a spring clean, read a book you've been meaning to, start a journal... Supplies can be ordered online where available, and YouTube and the internet as a whole is a great resource for learning, you could even learn a new language.

I do wonder whether there might be a way to volunteer to go shopping for the elderly in your area? Perhaps using the knowledge you have from your job, and as you said in your original post I'm sure being available on the phone would do a world of good for many of the elderly.

[Roukaya in reply to LilMissBear]

Dear Lil Miss Bear

Thank you for reply

I think you have shown great understanding in seeking the positives

I find myself very much alone and I have noticed the elderly who ring are not the most vulnerable needing help

I could increase my days of work to two mornings a week

I live right next door to a Church which opens its doors once a week

I will ask them if they would be prepared to provide any kind of help for the elderly

I will try to visit the Salvation Army as well and see if they can provide any help but I am sure that they do

I have a two exams to prepare for a find a years work experience

May be I should concentrate on this and do on line exercise classes

How are you filling your days of social isolation which can be otherwise thought of as Self care

[LilMissBear in reply to Roukaya]

That sounds great all positive steps.

I am currently still attending work as I cannot work from home, however it's likely I won't be from next week. I have some crafting I will be doing, I am making a blanket for my friend who is pregnant, and I would like to make a stuffed toy as well. I have some quilting I can do that is very much overdue, and some series I can watch I would like to try online yoga classes, and I downloaded an app to learn French and then never used it... So I could do that too.

I'll also make sure I go for walks, get some fresh air and save getting cabin fever!

I also live alone, I have a partner, but he currently lives with his family. So if he stays with his family I will be self isolating alone also, in which case I will be making use of face time to call my family regularly.