Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Over 50s

60 replies

CathyandHeathcliff · 30/04/2020 11:56

I’ve just seen an article stating:

The over-50s should be kept in lockdown for longer than younger groups and fined if they cannot prove their age when out and about, researchers at the University of Warwick have suggested.

I’ve been pinning my hopes on seeing my patents and in laws some time in the near future and now I feel utterly devastated. Sorry if I sound dramatic, I’m not sure how much more of this I can take.

OP posts:
Lumene · 30/04/2020 12:00

Was this in The Sun?

It is some academics making suggestions, which aren’t really practical.

How will schools go back without over 50s? What about parents with school age children in that age group? Or couples where one is younger etc.

ravensoaponarope · 30/04/2020 12:26

I'm 50 in August.
I wouldn't do it.

FreierFall · 30/04/2020 12:31

Ignore it. No one is going to say a specific age group can't go out. It's all optional. Even those shielding now, can go out if they do wishedFlowers

Shockers · 30/04/2020 12:33

The over 50s make up a huge proportion of the workforce; I don’t think this will happen unless those people have other known conditions which put them at risk.

Keepdistance · 30/04/2020 12:45

I do think that companies could offer retirement to over 60s. Possibly gov lower the pension age back down a little. Though with stock market as it is i doubt people want to cash in pensions.
Maybe work places could offer sabbatical to 50+ or they could be the ones furloughed.

However people 17m vulnerable are probably at greater risk than an average 50yo and yet they wil have to go tobwork...
Also how many 40-60yo have young school age kids

Topseyt · 30/04/2020 13:14

Not seen that, and I am inclined to take it with rather a large pinch of salt.

I will be 54 in August and will not be doing this. I agree it is the sort of crap that The Sun might spout forth. It is even worse than the Fail.

Topseyt · 30/04/2020 14:20

Still inclined to take it with a pinch of salt.

It is an academic paper, not government policy (thankfully).

I highly doubt that this will happen. The idea of keeping all over 50s under virtual house arrest is ridiculous, and I think could be met with large scale disobedience. I for one would flout it.

I can't help wondering what age group the authors of the paper are? In their twenties?

Waxonwaxoff0 · 30/04/2020 14:53

My mum is 51 and a hospital keyworker. She's more in danger at work than she is having DS and I visit her!

DramaAlpaca · 30/04/2020 14:56

I'm 55 and healthy. I've been totally compliant with lockdown so far. I wouldn't be compliant if this was introduced. Bugger that.

Willow2017 · 30/04/2020 15:05

You can be an academic without an once of common sense apparently, this proves it.

teenagetantrums · 30/04/2020 15:08

I'm over 50 and working in a care home. I can't afford to stay home. Stupid idea that would never work.

sanealaddin · 30/04/2020 15:09

DramaAlpaca me too - I've been compliant with everything but not a cat in hells chance that I'd comply with this. I'm self employed and nearly 15 years away from my state pension. No way am I going to let other people take away my work because they're younger. I need to earn a living!

WanderingMilly · 30/04/2020 15:09

I saw this, in the Mail I'm afraid.
Over 50's to remain in lockdown, over 60's and onwards even more so. I am in this bracket myself and would happily do this if it helps younger people to return to work earlier in a staged-type return of some sort, say in June.....

DramaAlpaca · 30/04/2020 15:11

Exactly, sanealaddin, I need my job too - and my job needs me.

Ragwort · 30/04/2020 15:12

But many of us over 60s are still in the workforce Confused, personally I would be bitterly disappointed to have to stay home much longer, as it is I am out and about volunteering and visiting my very elderly parents.

criminallyvulgar · 30/04/2020 15:18

I'm 57 and I'm a teacher. They will struggle getting schools open again if they are making over 50 school staff stay at home.
I can't bear the idea of being trapped at home while someone else teaches my classes.

Topseyt · 30/04/2020 15:20

It is very ageist when you think about it. Let the young go out to work and shut us oldies away. Out of sight and out of mind.

I know that isn't said in so many words. It is there though.

FliesandPies · 30/04/2020 15:22

The Prime Minister is 55..

alexdgr8 · 30/04/2020 15:23

i would imagine most many hospital consultants are aged over 50;
also many experts leaders in other fields, science, academia, bishops, house of lords, judges, QCs, MPs, civil servants, local govt etc.
they cannot all work from home all the time.

BetsyJameson · 30/04/2020 15:24

What about the over 50’s and 60’s like myself and DH who are already still working?

FlowerArranger · 30/04/2020 15:24

Researchers in their ivory towers can "suggest" all they like. Ain't gonna happen, A because it's not feasible and totally unrealistic, and B because there'd be a mutiny.

Topseyt · 30/04/2020 15:24

Keep the Prime Minister under house arrest, and probably many of his Cabinet too.

RingtheBells · 30/04/2020 15:25

Most of the cabinet are in their 50s and the scientific advisors also.

BillywilliamV · 30/04/2020 15:25

55 and fit as a flea, bloody insulted at the concept of my sge .aking me " vu nerable"!