EDITORIAL - Seniors need a time out

Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama wants the stay-at-home order for senior citizens lifted so they can be allowed to leave their homes, something Mayor Edgardo Labella is not so keen on doing.

The stay-at-home order for seniors and those under 21 years old has been in place since March when the community quarantines started due to the global pandemic.

“Ang pangutana simple kaayo. Nganong kami nga mga senior citizen nga anaa sa gobyerno, nganong kami nga senior citizen nga nagtrabaho pwede man mi mogawas? Unsa may naa namo compared sa kinatibuk-an nga pwerting daghanang senior citizen, nganong di man sila pwede mogawas?” Rama is quoted as saying in a report in this newspaper.

We are all suffering in one way or another because of the isolation brought on by the safeguards we have to take because of this pandemic. However, the suffering is greater for seniors who feel they are getting more and more out of touch and out of place in this digital age.

We must not forget where they come from. They were a generation that grew playing outside, so they have a kinship with nature that other generations don’t. They grew up without cellphones, so direct human interaction was always necessary, and for them it still is. They grew up without the internet, so they got their kicks from being with others and engaging in outdoor activities.

They cannot feel a sense of satisfaction or fulfillment just watching the TV or surfing the internet like the younger generation does. They just aren’t used to it. So why not let them out?

Of course this goes without saying that if they are to be allowed outside, proper precautions should be taken. We know seniors can become very vulnerable to the coronavirus.

Perhaps seniors can be allowed minimal outdoor activities like walking outside their houses or be allowed access to parks or special outdoor areas at certain hours; little steps like these.

If that is found to work then maybe we can improve things from there.

Yes, why not let our senior citizens for a while. We all know how spending time with nature can be good not just for the body but also the spirit.