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rejoining the outside world

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jojo27 Mon 14-Aug-23 10:27:45

I should be extremely grateful for some advice. Because I have a number of underlying health problems, including a weakened immune system, I spent most winters catching one bug after another. Consequently, about four years ago, I decided not to go out during the period October to May to prevent this from happening yet again. Just as I was ready to rejoin the world, Covid and lockdown arrived. I was sent a 'you are one of the vulnerable ones' letter and became afraid to leave home. Other than a couple of hospital appointments, I have not left my house since. I only allow maintenance people etc into my house if they wear masks. My family come to see me every now and again but, as you would expect, are sick of having to talk to me either through the window or in the garden.
I desperately want to rejoin the world but, by now, am terrified. I long to visit my family, take taxis (I had to give up driving because of glaucoma) ride on trains and buses and go shopping on my mobility scooter. Your advice is so helpful.
That is the reason why I am turning to you to ask, what do you wonderful people do to attempt to lead ordinary lives whilst trying to stay safe?

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Staceyann Tue 15-Aug-23 18:28:34

A lovely, helpful thread. I hope you are able to take the advice offered here from others in a similar situation, Jojo27, and start to live life again!

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Ellylanes1 Tue 15-Aug-23 19:56:48

I do hope you find the courage to take those first steps, and rebuild your confidence.
I found some company from a trusted friend, someone to walk with,even for 5 mins to start with, to talk with who understood my 'panicky' feeling at first was a great help.
Wishing you well

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Saetana Tue 15-Aug-23 20:19:47

Another vote for walking groups here - I go to a weekly one, nothing too strenuous or overly long. Whilst there is no age limit, everyone in the group is over 50 and we have members in their 80s and 90s. Being outside almost eliminates the risk of covid/flu etc and of course its great exercise that is suitable for most of us as we get older. We have ladies with walking sticks who walk faster than I do, some use those nordic walking poles. Check out wellbeing walks at ramblers.org - most areas have something going on, and its free.

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Jannipans Tue 15-Aug-23 22:25:45

My husband is 76 and was diagnosed with end stage renal failure as Covid struck. He was extremely ill as dialysis didn't really suit him and at one stage at death's door. However, he was lucky enough to get a kidney transplant which saved his life. He is on anti rejection drugs and still considered "vulnerable" and because we live together I have to take care too.
Our view is that at our age we are going to have all the jabs offered, but then , as we only get one life and in our view it is for living, not hiding away. We missed so much when we had to isolate (2 years of my little granddaughters life for instance). At our age there is no telling when the grim reaper will appear, so we think the risk is worth taking (however, if we hear someone is sick with Covid or any other virus, we do avoid meeting with them so we do take some care).

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