'Hours to Allow the Elderly to Go Out Should be Changed to Prevent Health Risks'

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The government on Sunday (May 10) allowed people over 65 years of age to go out between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., easing the curfew for the elderly that has been in place since March 21.

Because of the expected rise in temperatures, lack of shady spots and cafes and restaurants being closed as part of measures for the pandemic, there is a need to change the hours that the elderly are allowed to go out.

Dr. Samet Mengüç, a member of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Central Council, said that rising temperatures may cause numerous health problems for the elderly, including brain hemorrhage.

"Trial and error method"

"Some things are corrected only after they are experienced," he said, adding that the government is moving by trial and error.

"When allowing people over 65 years of age to go out, it is intended that people go to the natural environment and benefit from the external environment. For this, it is necessary to bring an arrangement that will provide the optimal benefit.

"But it is clearly seen that how the air temperatures during the time when going out is allowed will affect the health of the people in this age group was not assessed."

"This age group already mostly consists of people with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes," he said, adding that the elderly would not be able to benefit properly from the outside in that time of the day."

"The elderly should be protected from high temperatures"

"Even in normal conditions, we say that this age group should be protected from temperatures above a certain degree. In this practice, there is an organization disorder that is not evaluated in detail.

"If people use blood thinners, if they have high blood pressure, there may be a risk of a brain hemorrhage. Tot sweating may disturb the fluid-electrolyte balance in the body.

"Therefore, with the increase of temperatures, it will be very, very risky for those over 65 years of age, especially those with chronic diseases and they will have to have a rest in shady, cool places.

"However, we aim for this age group to consume energy, ensure their [blood] circulation and make them get fresh air. But it is certainly not an appropriate time both in terms of hours and temperature. It should be corrected. (TP/VK)