Reports of older people facing: • rising abuse in some countries during coronavirus crisis • robberies, kidnapping and domestic violence • being left to die when suffering from COVID-19 COVID-19 has amplified the violence, abuse, and neglect of older people around the world, which was already on the rise, says HelpAge International today on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that 1 in 6 older people was subject to abuse. Emerging evidence is indicating that this has sharply increased in many countries as a direct result of the pandemic. “COVID-19 has caused considerable stress for people of all ages, for example due to lost incomes and difficult conditions created by restrictions on movement, physical distancing and isolation measures. This has seriously affected older people living in low- and middle-income countries, especially women, who were already socially and economically disadvantaged before the pandemic,” says Georgina Veitch, Globa...

Many countries are now under lockdown. This measure is crucial to minimise the spread of Covid-19, but what impact will it have on health and wellbeing? Research shows that being sedentary is bad for your physical and mental health, so staying active during this difficult time is important. Being physically active helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol and can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It also helps maintain muscle mass and bone density, reducing the risk of developing sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and osteoporosis (loss of bone density). Physical activity also helps to keep your immune system working effectively as it flushes bacteria from the lungs and airways, increases white blood cell circulation and raises body temperature, all of which help the body fight infection. As well as the physical health benefits, keeping active is a great way to ward off some of the psychological issues associated with being cooped up for an extended ti...