People over 70 are the most vulnerable when it comes to contracting COVID-19, leaving many isolated.
When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbara Spanier and Marcel Uson are polar opposites living under the same Côte St. Luc roof.
Spanier, 76, has been coughing and had shortness of breath, but no fever, since the weekend. But she has been unable to contact medical specialists to determine whether testing for the coronavirus is required.
Her common-law partner, Marcel Uson, is Mr. Indestructible — according to Spanier — although he suffers from angina and has had three angioplasties.
“I do what I usually do,” Uson, 77, said. “It (COVID-19) is not big deal to me. Until I’m sick or exhibit symptoms, life goes on. To me, everything’s fine until something goes wrong. Nothing’s going to stop me. I wash my hands more often, maybe, and have a bottle of hand sanitizer.
“I’m concerned in the sense that, were I to catch it, I guess it would be game over,” he added, somewhat morosely. “I don’t want to think about that.”
Health officials have made it clear people over 70 are the most vulnerable when it comes to contracting the coronavirus. Many are isolated and have mobility or pre-existing health issues.
Much like Uson, Bernie Green claimed his life hasn’t been greatly affected of late. He remains busy by reading, doing artwork and cooking, although his volunteer work at a rehabilitation centre has ceased. And he’s considering now walking alone, rather than accompanied by a partner.
Bernie Green, a 75-year-old widower, grills a steak at his home in Montreal West on March 19, 2020.
John Mahoney /
Montreal Gazette
“My life hasn’t changed,” said Green, 75, a widower who lives in Montreal West, does his banking online and will go for groceries on Friday with one of his sons. “I’m not exposing myself to the public as much as I did. But I’m fine.”
Some, however, aren’t as fortunate and rely on others for assistance.
The Cummings Jewish Centre for seniors offers more than 300 programs, according to Pauline Grunberg, its executive-director. Although the centre has been closed since Monday, it has created a community response hotline and is exploring the possibility of creating a caregivers support group on Zoom along with establishing other virtual programs dealing with arts and crafts or exercise, she explained.
The centre also is offering free access to its virtual library that contains more than 140 recorded videos, lectures, classes and events.
“To help them be distracted,” Grunberg explained. “There’s no sports, only news and everybody’s going crazy. We’re trying to give them some kind of enjoyment.”
The centre this week distributed 850 Passover gift cards to its social service clients, Grunberg said, along with nearly 350 meals on wheels.
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Similarly, the Côte St. Luc men’s and women’s clubs have also been attempting to determine what can be done for their members seeking to bring a sense of normalcy to their lives.
“To a large part to date everyone has been trying to gather the news and deal with what’s there and respond to it appropriately,” said Charles Eklove, the men’s club chairman of media relations, who teaches a photography class — one of 21 special-interest groups offered at the city’s aquatic and community centre.
“I think it’s too early for that,” he added. “People are just beginning to grasp the seriousness of it.”
Elkove said the members remain in contact by phone, email or through their newsletter.
“Our guys spend a lot of time at home anyway,” Elkove said. “I have a feeling our guys will adjust to being at home more easily than people out on the job, working. Our guys tend to be a little more cautious. They’ve very vulnerable.”
Uson said when he goes for groceries, to the pharmacy or the local CLSC, he ventures out early in the morning, hoping to avoid crowds to be more safe from the coronavirus.
Jason MacCallum, a Montreal portfolio manager, said he hasn’t detected any additional angst from seniors concerned with their portfolios or long-term investments. He did, however, admit seniors tend to look to their investments for income more than younger investors.
“People can get caught up in what they see and hear,” MacCallum wrote in an email. “Investors should be careful not to let fear and emotions drive their decisions.
“I believe, first and foremost, everyone who’s older is focused on safeguarding their physical well-being. Everything else, for the time being, is second.”
Pointe-Claire, with about 9,600 seniors over age 60, according to Mayor John Belvedere, has a group of at least six city hall representatives contacting between 300 and 400 seniors daily. The city instituted an Aid for Seniors program 35 years ago.
“Some don’t like being in isolation,” Belvedere said. “Sometimes a call with cheer them up for a day. They’re vulnerable people in our society and city. We need to take care of them.
“We just feel it’s our responsibility.”
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