Should we ask over 60s to stay in?

Surely common sense must prevail in this instance. Anyone of any age that might be vulnerable would want to protect themselves, wouldn't they? It doesn't need to be law enforcement. Of course many people have responsibilities at any age, be it work or caring. But it still leaves a lot of folk that could choose to self isolate to protect themselves and everyone else

Apparently from what we're hearing, the virus is being spread mainly by young people in the 18-24 category so maybe the question is 'should this age group not be allowed out?'

No, it's as pointless as saying all 18 to 34 year olds should stay indoors - after all, they are being blamed for being super spreaders by some. I think it's important to be sensible and follow guidelines, but that's the crux of the matter isn't it? Quite a lot of people (of all ages) are not being sensible and that irresponsibility is partly to blame for the mess we are in now along with all the conflicting messages/advice being bandied about by various bodies, which is leading to much confusion and argument.

Possibly yes, for those retired? I think my outings that have not been to the doctor, hospital, or dentist you can count on one hand. It does get frustrating but that's better than being dead!!

Certainly not if they are fit to go out like myself who’s 64, I think nothing of doing a 7 mile country walk, plus I go to Pilates, yoga classes and if I say so myself I am in just as good shape as the youngsters. To make me stay in doors would make me feel like slitting my wrists. It’s people with severe health conditions who maybe shield if that’s best for them. I certainly don’t think people should be forced to stay indoors. I would add I do wear a mask in shops etc, and constantly slapping on the hand sanitizer and always throughly wash my hands when I get home. Also I do limit who I see .So far so good my system is working.

I personally don’t think anyone should be asked to stay in! I would like to think that most older people are sensible enough to know what to do and what not to do. We are early 70s and have actually got fitter and healthier over the past few months. We’ve walked over 500 miles, mostly in the open countryside. However we both normally do a lot of singing in choirs etc. The lack of social activity is taking its toll as is not being able to see our grandchildren so much. We haven’t even done any shopping till the past couple of weeks and no restaurants, but I’m pretty sure that if we were told to stay in I would be suffering from a serious case of depression!

Definitely not.

Definitely not! I work hard to stay healthy and fit at 65. I am sensible at avoiding crowded places, people I don’t know and wear a mask. I feel therefore that I am doing all I can to prevent catching it without losing my freedom. We cannot prevent all risk in life or it would not be worth living.

I feel that if you are especially at risk, stay home and protect yourself. We are all grown adults and have the life experience by now to take informed decisions by ourselves.

henetha, I am in Swindon. brooding on this.

so can someone explain the thinking behind this idea?

over 60,, lock us up, regardless of any other point, ie. health, capabilities,,, etc... isn`t that a bit like Hitler? picking on the Jews and gypsies,, o.k a bit ott... but,,, just wide, wide discrimination... counting what we (over 60`s) cost, do, well we breathe!

why should we be locked up to go mental/mad! yes, I can get angry over this... just give us a pill to kill us off, ARGH!

and thankyou for that Rachand... 60 the new 40 then 80 the new 60!!

watch out EVERYONE they are coming for you!

Why?? Why should we ask over 60s to stay in when younger ones are still not following guidelines, meeting up in big groups, having parties, refusing to wear masks, the list goes on and on. Over 70s have already had six months of not going out. About time the younger ones acted a bit more responsibly.

NO! If im considered young enough not to get my pension til im 67, im young enough and sensible enough to not stay in.

If we over 65s stay in I reckon our mothers would still go out. You just can’t keep these over 85s in

No way, people need to get some fresh air and be a part of a community, locking up will affect their mental health

Wow, polnan, at 83 I thought I was the oldest on here.
But obviously not.
I have no underlying health conditions and am still out and about, - very carefully now though. Here in the south west the number of infections is very low, but rising a little now.
I strongly suspect that if we oldies get it we will just be left to die. I object to that because I am still fit and active.

No - 60 is the new 40! Give over this is a wind up.

I worked in a school until I was 73. Still fit now and active. I think it is going over the top. You would be amazed at how many people I know who think its all a hoax anyway. I don't agree with them but they really believe it is all a government plot. So they wouldn't obey.

I am 84, no underlying health conditions, so far as I am aware,

however, why not just suggest euthenasia? isn`t it more or less the same? lock us all up, just by counting the physical years!

Many over 60 still work including doctors and nurses in our NHS. However if you are a vulnerable person either with medical issue or obese and do not go out to work it would make sense not to go out more than necessary. That is what I do. I have food shopping delivery and limit my journeys out to dropping off or collecting child or a quick walk with dogs. My dh does the same. I usually love to go to shops and choose Xmas gifts but this year sadly it is a gift chosen online, money put into persons bank account or a voucher. Those who do not need to go out must choose whether to carry on going out or stay in more. I chose to stay in more as I don't want to get virus. I did risk going to see 3 of my sisters in very low risk area as we always meet up on anniversary of day our Mum died.

What an awful concept. My DH is 72 and would be horrified that he had to stay in! He's fitter than I am, and in fact many people 10 years younger.

Heaven help if medical staff are included. People need to follow guidelines set out by WHO.

It makes me so mad. We are STILL being so careful, socially distancing , wearing masks, sanitising, not mixing in crowds, only going to places we deem safe. We 70+s got locked in before, the mental health state at the end was far from good. Idea - lock the young ones in and let us roam!!

No one is asking the over 60s to stay in . There has been the odd maverick view stated but no body of credible opinion is saying anything like this. The accepted position at the moment seems to be that if you were previously in the shielded group, then depending on the Tier you live in, you should tailor your behaviour appropriately. There is clear guidance on Age UK about what this means if anyone needs it.
The other position on this is the one advanced by the champagne quaffers of the Great Barrington Declaration, which suggested ‘Focused Protection’ ie protecting those at highest risk which would involve inter alia staying in as much as possible. HTH

Not 60, many of those are still working, and we need the experience. Over 70 definitely, particularly if they’re vulnerable. Perhaps all vulnerable people should too, as much as possible. I would imagine they already are.

LauraNorder

I don't think we can put an age on it Kitty but I do think that if those who can, do and those who can't follow the hands, face, space rules and stop visiting in other houses as far as possible, just until the spring, we might get the numbers down.

Exactly.
Most older people we know (70’s) are already staying in either most of the time or as much as possible.If aged 60 and with underlying medical conditions, then they should try and do the same.For healthy 60’s, then observing all the rules and being careful generally should be fine.

No.
Although as someone who is congenitally compliant, if the government tells me to, I will. Though who the blank will do my shopping, I don't know.

I mingle very little, and since Tier 2 came into force, even less but I would miss my very early morning dog-walks, solo (apart from the dog); and my couple of times a week trips to the little supermarket.