We have been hearing these words right from the initial outbreak of the current pandemic about two years ago. Maintaining distance from one another is a sensible step to escape from COVID-19 as the virus travels fast through the air. Beauty parlours and health clubs were closed completely. Restrictions were imposed on the number of people travelling by trains and other public transport systems, and the number of staff members attending offices. People in most parts of the world had to replace their traditional way of greeting each other by shaking hands or hugging with the safe custom of saying a ‘namaste’ with folded hands from a safe distance.
In a large country like India, where elections to different legislative bodies are almost an ongoing process, conditions were applied on rallies and other political activities where people gathered in large numbers. That had been the case even with places of worship. Educational institutions were forced to conduct teaching and examinations ‘online’. Fortunately, the situation is slowly returning to the pre-pandemic level.
The disease has caused the death of lakhs of people worldwide. With the institution of joint family vanishing everywhere, the condition of those who were left alone after the death of their life partners has become pathetic. As the aged are more prone to the disease, they are the ones who have suffered the most. Even when you live in a joint family, people are busy with their problems and may not have the inclination or time to spend with you. The issue is serious for financially independent individuals, but it becomes daunting for the poor, who have to depend on others even for their food and other daily needs. Psychiatrists and social workers are worried about dealing with the situation.
Old age is the age of sickness for most. Many of them are physically challenged and have to take the help of others for performing their daily chores. Some try to preserve their self-respect by learning to live a restricted life, forgoing even their simple and inexpensive desires. They do not want to become a burden to others and would be happy to bid an early goodbye to this world in a dignified manner. Some are forced to move to old age homes hoping people with similar problems may be a solace.
Several remedies like finding happiness in one’s own company have been suggested to tackle loneliness. Others include keeping a pet, remaining in contact with one’s friends and relatives through text messages or telephone calls, and reliving the happy moments of the past. It is also pointed out that one may feel lonely even in a crowd and that one’s own shadow leaves him when it is dark.
Scriptures offer several pieces of advice for people who feel lonely. They tell you that you are never alone, God is there always with you. Fix your mind on Him. The Bible says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. God is still there with you. And he is not going anywhere”.
It remains a fact that the current pandemic has been more of a curse to those left behind than those who lost their lives.
