Social distancing over 70

[Dishwashersaurous]

Aibu to be confused about the advice for the over 70s.

I understand that the most vulnerable are shielded and must never leave the house.

And that everyone should only just go out when essential

However, originally there was advice that over 70s would have to socially distance for 12 weeks

Is this any different from what everyone is doing at the moment?

I can’t find anything comprehension and clear about that

Basically should I stop my mother shopping

If you or somebody else is able to shop for her then yes. She needs to stay in.

But is there anything official that I can show her that she needs to stay in- as at the moment she is doing what everyone else is

I've fallen out with my parents today. Both 71, reasonably fit and well except very high blood pressure for both. I've begged them to stay in. They've scanned around various shops 3 times in the last 5 days.
I'm so upset with them. They lied that they'd stopped in yesterday then dropped into conversation with ds on facetime that they'd had to queue outside tesco to get him some football stickers.

As far as I understand we’re all doing the same thing now. We can all go out to shop and exercise unless we are part of the very vulnerable group who are shielded.

No there’s nothing to say she shouldn’t be going out. However I think common sense needs to be applied. Is she fit and healthy? Is she 70 or 90? It’s her decision at the end of the day

Windy - you are right, she’s fit and healthy and it’s her decision. I just worry that’s all

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

That's it. I guess people interpret it differently.

My parents are still going out for essentials and my Dad is walking the dog once a day doing the same as we are. I have offered to do shopping for them but my dad insists on doing it. They are both early 70’s and no health problems.

I thought in the original briefings they said over 70s should remain indoors and others should drop off their food etc. I would try to keep her indoors. The statistics ate showing from 50 onwards that is a huge age related decline in survival should a person contract covid. (On bbc news and the guardian)
Its what they are referring to when they talk about shielding I think..

Nope the shielded are very high risk and are 6 specific categories eg organ transplants. They will get a letter from the NHS.

Over 70s underlying conditions and pregnant are the next risk category.

Just to add it IS all very confusing isn’t it

To be honest though, how are you really going to stop them? They are adults and you can't, if they want to do it, they will.

My parents are 71. They are staying in as much as possible. They are going for 1 walk a day. Going to the local shop for basics once every 10 days and have a freezer full of food. My dad is getting very depressed tho because he's usually out every day doing things

they put out confused messages at first about the over 70 and talked about them staying at home for 12 weeks. this was then changes when the advice was issued. They should should never have talked about 12 weeks in the first place

"We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.
This group includes those who are:
aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)"

Social distancing
Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.
Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

it's people shielding who should be staying at home for 12 weeks

TL/DR - people over 70 should be really following social distancing more strictly than most

You're right but needs must at the moment. My Mum (73) has been going once a week to do a shop - she goes at 7am.

Normally it would be me going, but my Mum now finds herself as the main carer for me, following my cancer diagnosis. Basically we're both a bit fucked and some has to do it (no online available) - she's a little less up shit creek than I am. So people need to weigh up the risk.

Now if everyone who doesn't really need an online shop stopped ordering, we'd all be a bit safer

We are in our 70s and are isolating . We have only seen family through the windows. I believe we could go out for food etc but have chosen to keep in as much as possible. It helps our family to not have to worry about us. It is our responsibility to not be a burden to them. They have enough on juggling children at home ane working from home