Conclusion
Older adults being at a much higher risk of contracting and dying from
COVID–19 has important implications for the way in which public health
and clinical responses should be developed. There are few points to keep
in mind that are specific to Sri Lanka when developing public health and
clinical responses to protect older adults from COVID–19. Preparedness
of the healthcare systems to respond to the pandemic with a lack of
facilities, resources (i.e., ventilators) and staff in the healthcare
system, specifically in hospitals, intensive care units and long–term
care homes is a concern that should be taken into consideration when
clinical responses are developed. Challenges around protecting
community–dwelling older adults who are caregivers to grandchildren,
receiving informal care from children in the same household, living in
living in remote areas, or living alone or dependent on others need to
be taken into consideration in public health responses. The use of
emergency relief and public assistance programs in collaboration with
the Ministry of Social Services and Ministry of Health, and working with
NGOs such as HelpAge Sri Lanka, who are key stakeholders in assisting
the aging population in Sri Lanka can help the country keep its older
adults safe from COVID–19.