HOME ALONE

Not only are the elderly more susceptible to Covid, they are also finding it more difficult to deal with the psychological trauma of being isolated for their own protection

- ROMITA DATTA

DR PRABIR DASGUPTA, 7 7 & KABERI DASGUPTA 6 3

Doctor-housewife couple, Garia, Kolkata

A MENTAL WEARINESS

Dr Prabir Dasgupta had stuck to his daily routine all the way till midMarch. Twice a week, he would visit his polyclinic in Sonarpur. Apart from the passion for his profession, the half-hour drive from his home in Garia to his clinic through the lush hinterland encouraged him to keep going. Kaberi, too, was used to an active social life, meeting friends and neighbors daily. Hence, being home-bound has been difficult for the two.

Since maids are still not allowed in their home, Kaberi is also burdened with household chores. But her distress is more mental than physical. Talking to people on the phone can never be a substitute for a scintillating add a over steaming cups of coffee and shinguards. The couple is also avoiding watching television, so as to not be inundated with negative news. “I’d rather flip through storybooks and medical journals,” says Prabir, who is also hypertensive.

As a doctor, he isn’t worried about his health much, but says, “I cannot ignore the health of my family. The fact that I can’t go out in the open space for fresh air and that Kaberi is not being able to go back to her jovial routine is disturbing. I can feel she’s getting impatient being holed up like this,” he says.