Even as persons aged above 60 years fall victims of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has appealed to the people of the State to take the utmost care of their elderly persons.
Patnaik urged the people to take the mental and physical care of their elderly persons.
As per the 2011 Census, the number of elderly persons in the State is 42 lakh. Of them, 6% are in 60-70 age group, 3% in 70-80 age group, and 1% above 80 years, State COVID-19 Chief Spokesperson Subroto Bagchi informed. In his message, the CM urged the people to listen to elderly persons and talk to them. The elders must be kept informed about the coronavirus and other issues surrounding them. Talking to the elders about their old memories would bring smile on their faces, the message added.
Bagchi said that books should be provided to the elders so that they can read them and get mental peace.