Coronavirus advice for the over 50s, 60s, 70s and older

coronavirus advice for over 50s

Updated 27/04/21

With restrictions easing across the country we wanted to give you the clearest information on how older people and grandparents are affected by the coronavirus outbreak and the UK government's response to it. If you would like to talk to others who may be in a similar situation, join our online community here. We are updating this page regularly as guidance changes, but please also keep on top of NHS advice, which can be found here.

Keep up to date on the latest changes and how they affect you - get our daily newsletter here

Current top coronavirus-related conversations include:

Roadmap out of lockdown - when will restrictions end in England?

Following falling rates of coronavirus cases, England is now gradually coming out of lockdown. From Monday 12th April the following has been allowed to happen:

All non-essential shops are allowed to open
Restaurants and pubs can open (serving food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors)
Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services can open
Gyms, spas, zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres can open
Holidays in England are permitted in self-contained accommodation by members of the same household

Can I still form a support bubble?

Yes, support bubbles are still permitted, but only for those who are eligible.

This still includes those who live alone, so if you don't live with anyone else, you are able to form a bubble with another household. This will come as a relief to many grandparents or older people who live alone, and are facing isolation.

If the household you are wanting to join with has already formed another bubble, you cannot bubble with them. For more information on forming a bubble, please check the guidance on our support bubble page here.

Can I see my family socially if I'm not in a support bubble with them?

Yes, you can now see family or friends, but only outdoors (this does include private gardens), in a group of up to 6 from any number of households, or in a group of any size from up to two households.

You shouldn't meet indoors with anybody socially you do not live with unless you have formed a support bubble with them.

What about childcare? Can I look after my grandchildren?

Yes, in certain circumstances you can provide 'informal childcare'. The government allows 'childcare bubbles' so people can provide or receive childcare from one other household. This only applies if you (or the household you are providing childcare for) live with someone under the age of 14. You must not meet this bubble socially - it must only be for the purpose of childcare.

We know from our research that over half of Gransnet users regularly looked after their grandchildren pre-Covid, but there are still safety concerns, particularly as grandparents are more likely to be at an age that puts them at a higher risk with the virus. For the latest on childcare and grandparenting during the pandemic, visit our guide here. And if you can't meet, this doesn't mean you can't have quality time with your grandkids though - there are plenty of ideas on the page for fun ways to keep in touch from a distance.

Can I visit a care home?

Visits to care homes are allowed. Every care home resident is allowed up to two named visitors who will be able to enter the care home for visits. Visitors should be tested using rapid lateral flow tests before every visit, must wear the appropriate PPE and follow all other measures the care home has in place. Visitors and residents are advised to keep physical contact to a minimum. Check the government guidance on this here for more.

I'm worried about feeling lonely - what can I do?

The emotional toll of being stuck inside more can be overwhelming even as things start to open up, but gransnetters are always on hand to offer support, advice, or just friendly chat about almost anything to take your mind off the day's headlines.

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What are the next stages to restrictions being fully lifted?

Boris Johnson announced his roadmap out of lockdown, with different stages to the easing of restrictions. There are four conditions that must be met for each 'stage' of the plan to happen. This includes the vaccine rollout continuing as planned, vaccines reducing the number of people dying from the virus or needing hospitalisation, infection rates not causing a surge in hospitalisations or putting the NHS under pressure, and that new variants that are detected do not affect the plan to ease restrictions.

Here are the dates when different restrictions are due to be lifted next:

From no earlier than 17 May:

People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
Six people or two households can meet indoors
Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can be open indoors
Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children's play areas can open
Performances will be capped to half capacity or 1,000 people, and outdoors events can be at half capacity or 4,000 people - whichever is lower. For larger venues (at least 40,000 capacity) up to 10,000 will be allowed to attend
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen to household groups
International travel for leisure will resume no earlier than 17 May
Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can start up again

From no earlier than 21 June:

All legal limits on social contact will be removed
No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events

What does the roadmap mean for grandparents?

Lockdown has kept so many away from their family and friends, so news of restrictions easing will come as a welcome relief to many who haven't seen their loved ones this year. Now families are able to meet outdoors, providing it's only with one other household and following the 'rule of six'. However, there are still understandable concerns over safety.

Here's what gransnetters have to say about restrictions easing - join the discussion here:

"I've booked a haircut - the first one in over a year! I'm going for a walk with somebody on Sunday and we're planning to have a picnic if the weather's nice. First time I've been with anybody face-to-face (apart from the GP and dentist) for more than a year."

"The easing of restrictions here will mean that all the walkers and cyclists come out and park all over the village so that we can't even get out of the drive. I don't mind that people want to enjoy the countryside, I just wish they'd be more considerate."

"I don't think I will be doing anything different apart from seeing my family more outside when the weather is good enough. The difference will be that I will feel that, if I WANT to do something that is now allowed, I CAN!!! Just having the choice will make me happy, even if I don't do it..."

"We can go and see DD and DGD tomorrow in Lancashire. We are planning on going to a park for a walk and talk. We will see our DS, DIL and their twins to sit in their garden. We look forward to sitting in our friends gardens taking some homemade snacks and Prosecco."

"I'm looking forward to going to stay with both daughters, but that won't be happening until end of May/beginning of June... I miss hugs and cuddles."

"It means a lot to me. I can see my daughter and grandson daily if I want, golf whenever I like, hairdo booked for the 12th, eyebrows etc. on 16th and three restaurant bookings for April outside in marquees. I will go to the shops for some new clothes when the first rush has gone."

Do I have to shield if I'm clinically vulnerable?

No, those who are vulnerable are no longer being advised to shield, but you are advised to continue taking extra precautions to protect yourself, and follow the government's guidance on shielding. Please check the government website for more here.

Complications and deaths are more common in the elderly, even those without pre-existing conditions.' So for now some people over 70 are still choosing to exercise at home and have their shopping delivered to them. If you're struggling to do this, do read our advice on how to register as a vulnerable shopper and how to get those coveted delivery slots.

When will over 50s get the vaccine?

The UK has approved mass use of both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, and the vaccine rollout is currently ongoing across the UK, with over 33 million people having already received their first dose.

If you live in England and are 42 or over and haven't yet been vaccinated, you should contact the NHS to book an appointment online here.

Wales and coronavirus - what can I do?

Wales has now relaxed some of its restrictions, with the latest easing of rules coming into effect on Monday 26th April. Now pubs, cafes and restaurants can now reopen outdoors, and six people from six households can meet outdoors.

The next set of restrictions easing in Wales will occur on 3rd May. From then:

Extended households will be allowed between two households, meaning families will be able to meet indoors - which will be welcome news for many grandparents.
Gyms and leisure facilities can reopen, and fitness classes for up to 15 adults can resume.
Community centres can reopen.
Please see the full guidelines for Wales here.

Scotland's roadmap out of lockdown - when will restrictions end?

Scotland also eased restrictions on Monday 26th April, allowing all non-essential shops, gyms, restaurants and pubs (outside only if you're drinking alcohol) to reopen. Trips to other parts of the UK for non-essential reasons are also now allowed under the new guidance.

People are now also allowed to meet in groups of up to six adults from six households in outdoor settings.

Please see here for the full list of guidelines for Scotland.

Northern Ireland - how are the rules easing?

Households are not allowed to mix indoors in private homes, but ten people from two households can meet up in private gardens.
Close contact services, such as hairdressers and nail salons (including mobile), can reopen strictly by appointment.
From 30 April up to 15 people from three households can meet outdoors, including in a private garden, all non-essential retail will reopen, and pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants can operate outdoors.
Please see the full guidelines for Northern Ireland here.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Face coverings (something that safely covers the nose and mouth) are now mandatory in certain situations. In England you need to wear them in the following place (please note, with restrictions some of the following might be closed, but you will have to wear a mask when they reopen):

in NHS settings (GPs/hospitals etc)
when visiting care homes
on public transport and in transport hubs (airports, railway stations etc)
in shops, supermarkets and shopping centres
in post offices, banks or similar
in beauty salons/tattoo parlours or other providing personal care or beauty service
at the vet
when visiting attractions and entertainment venues
libraries
places of worship
funeral service providers
public areas in hotels
in pubs and restaurants when you are not sat at your table

For the full list and more detail go to the government website.

It is accepted that their main value is to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection from coughing, sneezing etc.

Symptoms for older people

The main symptoms of coronavirus to watch out for are:

a high temperature - you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
a new, continuous cough - the NHS says: "this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours"
a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell - things smell/taste different to usual, or you cannot smell/taste at all

If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus, you and anyone you live with must self-isolate immediately, and not leave your home unless it's to take a Covid test. Anyone in your support bubble should also self-isolate if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.

You should get a test as soon as possible if you develop symptoms. Find out more about booking a test here. If you're worried about your symptoms and you aren't sure what you need to do, you can use the online NHS 111 service here, or call 111 if you are unable to access this resource online.

The NHS says you should contact emergency services immediately (by calling 999 or going to A&E) if:

you're so breathless that you're unable to say short sentences when resting
your breathing has got suddenly worse
you cough up blood
you feel cold and sweaty, with pale or blotchy skin
you have a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you roll a glass over it
you collapse or faint
you feel agitated, confused or very drowsy
you've stopped peeing or are peeing much less than usual

Please visit the NHS's page on self-isolating and treating coronavirus symptoms here for more information.

What should I have in the house in case I get coronavirus?

Bearing the most common symptoms in mind, it’s helpful to think calmly about what you would want around the house if you are ill - lots of tissues, paracetamol or ibuprofen, chicken soup, hydrating drinks. It's important that you rest and stay hydrated if you are unwell.

If you need daily medication, contact your pharmacy by phone and explain your situation - many of them are offering delivery service at the moment, and you should not visit a pharmacy while you are isolating.

It could be helpful to make a list of all of the aid organisations in your community that you could contact if you need to access information, health care services, support, and resources.

Most of all, look after yourself. Advice on the forums is:

“Plenty of phone calls, Skype, Gransnet, uplifting radio music rather than the news, ordering in favourite foods and treats, reading good books, afternoon naps etc.”

I don't have symptoms but I'm worried - what can I do to stay safe?

NHS UK’s advice is to:

wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
if you have to leave the house for any reason, always wash your hands when you get home (or into work if you are a key worker)
use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available
cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
avoid close contact with people

Whilst it's important to stay vigilant, if your worry is becoming unbearable, it might be a good idea to seek help. We have a list of useful resources if you feel your mental health is suffering as a result of the pandemic.

Getting help if you're on your own

If you live alone, it is essential to keep in touch with the outside world as much as you can at the moment. The phone is the easiest way to keep connected for many people, and making sure you have a list of phone numbers easily accessible is a good idea. Creating Whatsapp groups with neighbours or local friends can be useful if you need help getting supplies. Mutual aid groups are springing up around the UK, where ordinary people are getting together to help people with food shopping, picking-up prescriptions or dog walking. If you're worried about living alone, we've got some suggestions for how to avoid loneliness in isolation.

Gift ideas for people who are self-isolated

If you want to provide some comfort to people who are still self-isolating, gransnetters have lots of advice.

It's a difficult time for everyone, and a gift in the post could be a massive source of comfort for someone who's feeling lonely during the epidemic. Here are some of our favourite suggestions.

"My FaceTime address. I know from experience that loneliness is the worse thing!"

"Some seeds or vouchers for a seed catalogue."

"Jigsaw puzzles, flowers, books, and a daily phone call (at least)."

"A good supply of gin and tonic!"

Disclaimer: The information on our health pages is only intended as an informal guide and should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice. Gransnet would urge you to consult the NHS coronavirus website if you are concerned you or someone you know has the disease.

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