Over 70s

Sorry but no! Basically that is committing us to a jail sentence with as few rights as a criminal. Just because we are over 70 does not mean we are all wrecks. Loads of us are full of beans and living a full life. Why should the last of our days be spent imprisoned. If you are saying the elderly should all be confined then you must extend that to all the disabled, and people with other health complaints. I cannot see where this would end! We must stay sane and sensible over this issue. Without reason we have certainly lost our way!

I hope I don’t have to stay in for 12 to 18 months I might starve to death! I am 72 with COPD which is only moderate but a cause for concern when we are told that the virus attacks the lungs. I tried to get an online delivery from Sainsbury’s yesterday but was refused on the grounds that they do not have me on their vulnerable list! I have been a lifelong Sainsbury’s customer not any more!!!

Like others here I am not willing to lose so much of whatever is left of my live.
I have said all along that I am more scared of the lockdown and the stress it is causing me, than of the virus itself.
Okay, if I happen to one of the minority who get it really bad, so be it, if I die, so be it. BUT - I do have hopes of celebrating my 80th birthday next year and am most definitely not willing to stay by myself almost until that time.
I do go out most days, I am still doing a weekly Sainsbury shop, BUT I most definitely need to get out to see my family, my children and their children.
Advice yet, but it is my life and I am will take my own decisions about it. Each to their own
Probably if I was ten - twenty years young, many on here are that and more, then my feelings might be different, but for us who are probably nearing the final time of our life in any case, I most definitely have no intention of wasting the next year sitting in my home, however lovely it is.

TBH I think the 70s+ are the more responsible generation, so I think we should be let out first. The younger generation seem to think this virus won't happen to them, so to let them out first could put us in an even worse situation than we are in now.

no, I am not happy about it..

No, I don`t think I could survive, mentally, therefore potential suicidal

now,, about time euthenasia was legal,, well as I can`t spell it, does that mean??? duh!

seriously though, I can`t see a complete lockdown for over 70`s if healthy, should be enforced. as we have found out, some over 70`s (healthy or not) have survived the virus

and some very young, healthy or not , have not survived

No, I don`t see why we have to consider a complete lockdown, surely we, well some of us, have enough sense to practice sensible precautions?

Nicky 7of7, just saw your post about Sainsbury`s, their online delivery has not worked like that for me... I do my order, and keep on trying for a delivery date.. late at night or first thing in the morning seems a good time to get a free delivery slot.
I have NEVER even been consulted by Sainsburys as to whether or not I am classed as vulnerable.. I don`t understand how you got that communication with them?

I just keep on trying,

I am 67 but my other half is 76 and it is him that is going out to do the shopping at the supermarket and visit the farm shop - if I am honest, more than is absolutely necessary - because he is already going stir crazy. So no - I don't see that working. As soon as others are allowed out he'll have his car keys in his hand and his running shoes on! And I'll be right behind him.

While we are still letting people in to this country and illegals
untested, we will never be clear. Other countries shut their boarders immediately i.e. Australia which greatly reduced the problem.
So are we seniors expected to stay in until a vaccine is produced, which will not be for us. We won’t even be tested but who has paid into NHS and tax longest. Some seniors are in better health than youngsters whose life style is not healthy.
When you live on your own it’s very lonely and soul destroying and we need the company
I already have a Health POA in place and wear a DNR band
So if I catch it I won’t use the NHS.
Every one can catch it, even those who have disregarded the isolation but they will get treated.
This is discrimination against seniors. Life is meant for living whatever your age.

I won’t stay in for another 12 months. That’s a seventh circle of hell. I’ll be sensible. I’ll social distances. I’ll wear a mask.
I may be old but I still have a lot of living to do outside of my house and my estate. And I’m bloody tired of cooking three meals a day and the husband’s company 24/7.

Not really but if we want to live then yes. I’m not quite 70 but hubby is.
We are basically lazy anyway so adapting to couch life and more tv is fine for now. Have to be glad we have light evenings and sunny days to enjoy. Can’t imagine how dreadful it would be in winter months.

I have had the virus and was really poorly at home. Presumably i could catch it again.
Even so, they ain't pinning me down. I want to see my little grandchildren soon or my heart will break!

I'm 70 (well I will be next week) himself is 73. I have had 2 different cancers in the last 5 years and recovered from both (thanks to the wonderful NHS). I feel whatever time I get now is a bonus and the idea of not being able to see children, grandchildren, siblings, friends for 12 to 18 months makes me terribly sad. Himself says he will go "rogue" (whatever that means!!). I would not want to put other people at risk but it will be terribly hard to do

I cant imagine what it will be like later in the year when the weather and daylight hours change. At the moment we are blessed with some beautiful days weatherwise so can get out in the garden or go for a walk. How different when its pouring with rain, it cold and grey and the darker evenings draw in. I will do as they say as OH has COPD and cant risk bringing it home to him, but sometimes even now my eyes fill up at not being able to see and hold my children and GC. What i will be like then, heaven knows.

I’m with you Framilode....another couple of months yes..... 18 months no. I’m a fit healthy 69 year old ....I will reach 70 at Xmas ..... I will take my chance and sign any waiver they want , but I have never committed a crime in my life , and I’ll not be imprisoned for so long .... law or not!

I'm not 70, so I have no axe to grind.
A lot over over-70s live alone. What about their mental health?
If they go to do a big shop, they'll be no social distancing in the street or the shops. They won't be able to go to the cinema, or see friends. Will they need to wear masks every time they leave the house?
Few decisions in the crisis have been thought through. Is this another?

It’s an extremely difficult one to decide. I’m 75, active and fit. Over the last 5 years I have lost my daughter in law ( aged 36 ) my father, my very close cousin, my husband and then last year, my constant companion, my dog. My husband had recovered from a cancer diagnosis but also had Lewy Body Dementia. At the beginning of this year I decided it was time to pull myself together and get along with life ... joining various groups and getting back in touch with long lost friends. Now this ...
Its sensible to say I ought to carry on self isolating but there are days when I wonder why has this happened. I’ve raised a family, worked full time, cared for parents and in-laws, grandchildren and my dear husband and I’m beginning to feel “ what’s the point “ I may not have many years left anyway and suddenly when I decide to get along and make a new life for myself I’m stuck in the house, alone and it could go on for the next 18 months . It may sound like self pity but I can assure you it’s not. I’m just stating fact .

It isn’t really doable and if Boris makes the over 70.s stay I that will also apply to his dad. Good luck with that Boris!

As other posters have said 70 is an arbitary age. I consider myself to be a fit nearly 75 year old and in better shape than many who are younger than me. I have never broken a law but will do so if the Govt think that they can isolate me for 12 months. As others have mentioned we are closer than most to the end of our lives, I have told my family that I would not wish to be resuscitated so I'm prepared to take my chance with the Corona Virus. The need to see my grand-children is more important to me.
I know that everyone's opinion is different but those of you who are lucky to still have their partners should consider what it is like for us who are now alone.

Oops pressed yoo soon
What if the single over-70 is ill at home? No-one will be allowed into the house?

I’m concerned about this because my granddaughter (aged 22) lives with me. Obviously she’ll be going back to work. Where does that leave me infection-wise?. I’m happy to stay home but I’ll be on edge all the time in case she brings infection into the house.

Polnan re Sainsbury’s- I’ve not had a problem with deliveries. I find Sunday night or Monday a.m they put some slots in. I’ve not registered as vulnerable. I have ordered from them in the past so maybe they have my dob.

I've not seen any of my seven grandchildren (or my three adult children and their partners) since just before the lockdown began - and, like everybody else, I'm REALLY missing them all.

I usually have the youngest one (aged 3) during school holidays to help out with child care costs - and we go to a Soft Play Centre, a Park or on a Mystery Bus Ride. He's my little 'adventure pal' . However, I've just had a phone call from his dad asking me if I'd be alright doing a video call with him via What's App - such a delight to see his little face light up when he saw me.

If anybody hasn't yet tried What's App, I urge you to give it a go - I also got a 'sloppy kiss' on the screen ................. his Daddy is going to have to give his phone a really good clean after that .

Oh yes - I forgot - I DID have a visit from little fella's Daddy on Mother's Day ................................. he arrived, tidied the garden, cut the privets and mowed the lawn and then waved bye-bye as he left again.

My other son and his wife brought me a present that she had made for me in work - a large canvas-style picture of my favourite band, to hang on the wall. They arrived - phoned to say they were outside - then left the parcel on the garden path. We had a brief chat, me in my upstairs flat window and them by the garden gate.

None of that would have worked out with children present - I'd have been upset not to get cuddles/hugs from them at all.

I'd urge anybody to have a go at the What's App Video call - or Facetime, Skype, Zoom etc. Not quite the same as the real thing, but needs must when we're longing for contact of some kind.

I'm 74 and every day is precious now. I'm not going to isolate for 18 months while the rest of the under 70 population go about their business. I'll take my chances, thanks.

I will listen to the advice on lockdown but will go with my gut feeling. I would rather trust myself to make the decision than this incompetent government.

Yesterday morning a very dear friend of mine, (who was more like my sister has we were both only children)died suddenly. She wasn't knowingly Ill. We hadn't seen each other since just before the lockdown although we had phoned and text everyday. We had arranged to go out and have coffee and catch up once restrictions were lifted. That now will never happen. Because of number restrictions at funerals I cant even say my last goodbye. My heart is aching.

Nan79
Nan79 is right, we should have closed our borders, it’s one of the first things we should have done. To not do so was absolutely stupid. The only flights allowed in should have been those repatriating British citizens. And they should have been put into quarantine. We did it with the flight repatriating people from Wuhan, and after that - nothing. People were coming in from all over the world, including 3000 people from Madrid to watch a football match! Planes were and are still are coming in from Italy, China, Iran and New York. Honestly, you couldn’t make it up. If we don’t control our borders, we don’t control the virus, and 70+ people will continue to be told to lockdown. Do you want to stay in lockdown just so people from all over the world can freely fly into Britain? And some of them will be bringing the virus with them!

Yes we would do it. DH is nearly 80 I'm nearly 70, we will do anything to protect each other and have as many years together as we can. If that means staying at home, not socialising and not seeing our children and grandchildren in person, then so be it. They will understand, if not now, as they themselves get older. Eventually, some day, a vaccine or treatment will be developed but it could take a long time and until then we have to accept that CV19 is an ongoing deadly risk. We personally will make every effort to avoid it. It will probably have to be the choice of each individual rather than imposed upon them by the authorities. I hope common sense will prevail.