Vox pops: Over 70s talk about coronavirus, self-isolation and panic-buying

People aged over 70 have had their fair share of isolation and loneliness but the coronavirus pandemic has compounded it, as everyone keeps their distance from each other - so homecare.co.uk asked older people for their thoughts on panic-buying and more.

It's 12 noon on a weekday in Waitrose Reading, a time when retired people over 70 are usually out in force, chatting, strolling and buying items such as eggs and toilet roll. Except there isn’t any of either. A shop assistant says more eggs will arrive in the morning.

'It's mad!' says 84-year-old faced with empty shelves

“It’s mad!” says Rosalee Wells, aged 84, staring at empty shelves where toilet rolls once were.

“Not necessary! I just get what I need and that’s it.”

“I don’t think there’s any need for people to panic.”

Another older woman overhears the conversation and chips in “You won’t change human nature.

"If everyone only got what you needed there would be no problem.”

“That’s what I needed” replies Rosalee holding up a single jar of cocoa, “…to make a chocolate sponge”.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said if you’re over 70 with health conditions you should consider staying indoors for up to 12 weeks.

The government has said people aged 70+ as well as those with underlying health conditions are at high risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and must ‘significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family’ .

Isolation and loneliness is already part of daily life for many older people. The coronavirus and the government's subsequent 'social distancing' advice has now given everyone a glimpse of this. The whole nation may finally understand a little of what it is like to be an older person.

Rosalee Wells says “I live in a flat so we’re going to be isolated sooner or later. "I’m not altogether sure about staying indoors but if the experts say yes then fair enough. You do what you’re told.”

'You can't have people flouting common sense'

Anthony Partridge, aged 74, is sitting on a park bench by the River Thames. He is always outdoors but says the prospect of staying indoors for months “is going to employ the imagination”.

Admitting he has no idea what he’ll do if forced to stay inside, the former tree surgeon said “I’m a countryman first and foremost. I like to go out for as long a walks as I can manage.

"At the moment, I do about three hours [walking]. I’m a bit restricted now because I’ve got an arthritic ankle which slows me down considerably. “I’m keen to keep on the move.”

Asked what activity he will do if stuck indoors, Mr Partridge said “I’m a gregarious individual, me. I’ve been a manual worker all my life working on trees.

"I bowl. I belong to Caversham bowling club. “Is the club going to close? I bowl most days.”

After some thought, Mr Partridge says if he has to stay inside for months, he will keep socialising with family and friends via Facetime and What’s App and do some gardening.

Referring to the risk posed by people who have COVID-19 symptoms but may continue going outside he said “They’ll have to be made an example of. You can’t have people flouting common sense.”

'My husband is diabetic'

Stevie Webster, aged 73, is waiting for a bus at the bus stop. “My husband is diabetic so it would be wise for him to self-isolate. I don’t mind staying indoors for months if it is to safeguard him, I would.

“I’ve just been in the café. I have just seen my daughter-in-law’s mother and had a coffee.

"I’ve all these [cleaning wipe] sachets in my bag. I’ve been doing all the handwashing."

Asked what she would do indoors, the retired retail and liaison officer replies “gardening.”

“If we’re in lockdown like Italy, I shan’t be indoors the whole time because I’ll be in the garden. I’ve lots of work to do there. I’ve got lots of jam jars that I’ve just washed and I’m making myself some garden lanterns."

When it comes to the coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the globe, Stevie Webster adds: “If we get it, we get it. There’s nothing we can do.”