KOLKATA: The easing of lockdown restrictions has brought in a unique set of problems for the senior citizens living in gated communities with the younger members of the societies gradually returning to offices, leaving them to grapple with everyday chores.
During the lockdown, which started in March, several residential complexes in the city had put together special care teams comprising younger residents to help out the elderly and those with underlying conditions who needed to be shielded from the novel coronavirus.
These younger residents would do a variety of chores — from delivering medicines to helping out with digital transactions. Sometimes they would just keep the elderly company, chatting with them during the day.
“Several senior citizens live alone because their children are settled outside Kolkata. We had to make sure that all their needs were met and they did not have to step out at all. So, a special care team for senior citizens was formed to assist them with all the chores during the lockdown,” said Mainak Kanrar, secretary of Sukhobristi Residents’ Association.
But with offices and businesses opening up and younger residents of the complexes going to work, the elderly have been suddenly left with a void. “During the lockdown, whenever we required anything we would just call up one of the young volunteers assigned to assist us and they would help us out instantly. They were very helpful and never let us feel that we owed them a favour,” said Rajesh Gourisaria, a resident of Lake Terrace Apartments off VIP Road.
But now most of them have either started attending their offices or resumed their business. So now we must inform the association in advance if we need anything,” he added.
Several associations foresaw this problem and started training their senior citizens to perform digital transactions. “Several senior citizens in New Town have prepaid electricity connections. As their children live outside Kolkata for most of the year, our volunteers would show them how to conduct digital transactions safely. Even today, we are providing all possible help to the elderly and those with underlying conditions,” said Samir Gupta, joint convener of New Town Residents’ Welfare Forum.
During the 10 weeks of lockdown, many aged residents had formed a close bond with the youngsters and would wait to chat with them. The conversations take place even now, though, with a reduced frequency. “I am a retired person, but others have work to do. Commuting to and from office has become such a hassle and the threat of the virus also looms large. However, I still really look forward to conversations with the youngsters,” said Debabrata Dasgupta, a resident of Sunrise Apartments on Convent Road.
Several people, who resumed office, have also been complaining of anxiety fuelled by the threat of the virus and hassles in commuting. “Even if I practice social distancing others are not doing so. Most people either don’t wear masks or the masks dangle around their necks. Buses are crowded, and taxis and app cabs are hardly available,” said Samyabrata Roy, who works at a logistics firm in New Town and resides in Dhakuria.
During the lockdown, which started in March, several residential complexes in the city had put together special care teams comprising younger residents to help out the elderly and those with underlying conditions who needed to be shielded from the novel coronavirus.
These younger residents would do a variety of chores — from delivering medicines to helping out with digital transactions. Sometimes they would just keep the elderly company, chatting with them during the day.
“Several senior citizens live alone because their children are settled outside Kolkata. We had to make sure that all their needs were met and they did not have to step out at all. So, a special care team for senior citizens was formed to assist them with all the chores during the lockdown,” said Mainak Kanrar, secretary of Sukhobristi Residents’ Association.
But with offices and businesses opening up and younger residents of the complexes going to work, the elderly have been suddenly left with a void. “During the lockdown, whenever we required anything we would just call up one of the young volunteers assigned to assist us and they would help us out instantly. They were very helpful and never let us feel that we owed them a favour,” said Rajesh Gourisaria, a resident of Lake Terrace Apartments off VIP Road.
But now most of them have either started attending their offices or resumed their business. So now we must inform the association in advance if we need anything,” he added.
Several associations foresaw this problem and started training their senior citizens to perform digital transactions. “Several senior citizens in New Town have prepaid electricity connections. As their children live outside Kolkata for most of the year, our volunteers would show them how to conduct digital transactions safely. Even today, we are providing all possible help to the elderly and those with underlying conditions,” said Samir Gupta, joint convener of New Town Residents’ Welfare Forum.
During the 10 weeks of lockdown, many aged residents had formed a close bond with the youngsters and would wait to chat with them. The conversations take place even now, though, with a reduced frequency. “I am a retired person, but others have work to do. Commuting to and from office has become such a hassle and the threat of the virus also looms large. However, I still really look forward to conversations with the youngsters,” said Debabrata Dasgupta, a resident of Sunrise Apartments on Convent Road.
Several people, who resumed office, have also been complaining of anxiety fuelled by the threat of the virus and hassles in commuting. “Even if I practice social distancing others are not doing so. Most people either don’t wear masks or the masks dangle around their necks. Buses are crowded, and taxis and app cabs are hardly available,” said Samyabrata Roy, who works at a logistics firm in New Town and resides in Dhakuria.
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