Why are the over-70s in the UK still going out?

[trystan]

Why are the over-70s in the UK still going out?

The health specialists of the UK have told the over-70s, and any persons of any age with significant health conditions should not go out.

Why is it I've so many, even frail ones shuffling down the street, stopping speaking to each other face-to-face?

Even my own mother in her late 70s went to the village shop today to get newspapers.

Why I wonder?

Trystan

[Mike in Cumbria]

Because there's no age limit on stupidity.

[arthurk]

For some of them, if they don't go out they won't get any food. And presumably the supermarkets wouldn't be setting aside special times for the elderly and vulnerable if there wasn't any demand (unless it's just to make them appear more caring).

[heywood]

I thought that we could still go for walks but keeping social distancing and at quieter times or in quieter places.
My husband was going for his newspaper but we have downloaded the app for it so we have been in for two days now.
We walked around the block yesterday. It was very windy and cold and today I walked around the corner with something for my son but left it outside to be picked up.
My neighbour went into town for shoes for her child who will still be in school and said that it was very busy. She then called in the supermarket and got all she needed.
I found today a bit difficult so goodness knows what it will be like after a few days- then weeks- then months.
I have tried to keep away from the news after the update at lunchtime. It is such an emotional time - ranging from disbelief to fear to ‘all will be well’.
I have enjoyed reading the threads on here though and hope they continue with a mix of observation and experiences and light hearted comment.
Some churches, including fairly local ones, have been broadcasting various services which I have found useful although I realise not everyone would but I think there are other organisations trying to help - fitness etc.
I am thankful we have Rootschat too.

[mazi]

Far from being stupid we are well aware that we are being asked to join a queue to die, for the benefit of the NHS,

If, and I say if, we choose to make our last months pleasurable at no risk to younger people then that is our choice.

We have to shop for food, that is a fact,  socialising in the open is no worse than queueing in shops

Mike

[Maiden Stone]

Some won't see or speak to anyone unless they go out. Some are looking after other old people.
There are community help groups being set up in some areas. Volunteers offer to fetch shopping and prescriptions or chat on the phone.

[BillyF]

And why are 45ish people hugging in the streets? I ( a going out, but in the car, 74 year old ) saw this happen today.

[Musicman]

Trystan - whilst I realise that these "rules" have been brought in for obvious reasons, what can the reality be like for many of those people?  Especially those who live alone and not in good health. I am in that category - I live alone, I'm an only child - so no close family - my closest cousin and her husband are in the same age category.  I live in a row of 8 terraced cottages - my immediate neighbour, (to my left) is aged 99 and being looked after by her daughter + carers. Myself and the two neighbours to the other side have had a major fall-out so they're unapproachable (one is over 85).  The other people I don't know at all.  Therefore I have no-one to call on for assistance.   How then am I to get food and other necessities? I go out early some mornings to get my meager purchases made, return home within the hour, and stay in for the rest of the day.   Occasionally I take a walk around the block to ease the boredom. What do you suggest - that ALL people become permanently imprisoned in their own homes? Perhaps the easiest solution might be for me me to draw all the curtains, lock all the doors and put the house keys down the drain and wait for the inevitable.  Thank God I've already paid for my cremation. 

[Boxeo]

I don't think many people quite understand how serious it is here yet