People Aged 65 and Over Speak out: There is Nothing Like Freedom

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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"My mother has Alzheimer's. If she cannot walk for a few more days, she will forget how to walk and there is unfortunately no turning back," wrote director Zeynep Dadak around a week ago.

Before and after that, several people shared messages on social media, expressing support for a more flexible curfew for those aged 65 and over.

People were mostly of the opinion that these citizens, unable to walk, socialize or see sunlight for days now, should be able to go out on the street, at least at certain hours of the day.

Shortly afterwards, it has been reported in the news that on the condition that they wear masks and keep their social distance, the ones aged 65 and over, who have not been permitted to go out since March 31, will possibly be allowed to go out for three hours at the weekends, when a general curfew is imposed in metropolitan cities and Zonguldak.

But, what do the citizens aged 65 and over say about this arrangement which it still being discussed? How do they feel? Do they find this arrangement right? They answered these questions for bianet.

Setting aside chronic diseases, several people aged 65 and older who produce and participate in life think that the curfew has gone on long enough. However, there are also the ones who say that they will not go out even if they are allowed to do so, fearing that they will catch the disease.

A person living in Bahçelievler district of İstanbul first asks, "Can I go to Eminönü?" and adds the following: "How I have missed getting some fresh air, walking around in the sun... I have also missed places like Eminönü, where I can do shopping and breathe some sea air."

'I feel like walking for kilometers'

73-year-old Gülnaz from Datça:

It is as if they now think nothing of the ones aged 65 and older. While the ones who live in a house with a garden are in a semi-open prison, others are living in houses like cells. 

They don't even give masks to us. I feel myself literally on the edge. We content ourselves with what we need, solidarizing with our neighbors and siblings. We make masks out of bandannas, feed the hungry cats, watch movies, read books and do lots of cleaning. We are standing out for now. Bans have always bothered me, I feel like violating it.

When the three-hour permission is given, I will rush to the seaside, I have missed it a lot. We cannot move much, I feel like walking for kilometers in Datça. Is there anything like freedom?

'I won't go out when the permission is given'

75-year-old Leyla Yakut living in Ankara:

I have not even opened the door and taken a step outside the home for a month. But - it must be because of my age - I approach life more tolerantly. When I think about the ones living in worse conditions than me, the bedridden ones, those held in isolation in prisons all through their lives, the ones hospitalized and waiting for health...

When I think about desperate people like them, I think that I have to be grateful. I can walk in all rooms of my house, I can eat whatever I want and my material means allow me to buy whatever I want.

But I need the intimacy of my children, my friends, close friends. Thanks to this advanced technology, I can also see them online. I can similarly meet my needs from virtual markets, again thanks to this advanced technology.

We are a group of 30 friends from university, we speak on WhatsApp everyday. We talked about it yesterday. No one is thinking of going out. Because we know the surname of the virus, but its name is not yet certain. We have shown such patience, we can show a little more. What can you do in three hours anyway? Restaurants and cafes are all closed; when you meet in a park, you cannot hug or kiss each other, you will again keep your distance. If so, what is the point in risking your life? Not for those who live with their children and husbands, but it naturally has difficulties for the ones living alone like me. I have to do everything myself.

'My husband has diabetes, he has to walk'

77-year-old Nursel Barış living in Malatya:

I can occupy myself in one way or another, but my husband is affected a lot. I occupy myself with work, meal and so, but my husband is used to walking around. Inability to walk in this process has compelled him. And, moreover, as he has diabetes, he has to walk. For instance, newspapers, his most important routine, don't come any longer. 'It is as if I now think less,' he says.

We have been at home for a month, we have not taken a step outside. There is a market and a bakery nearby, we call them and they deliver our orders. Our acquaintances also bring it along when we need something. It - of course - has an effect on you, but thanks God there is the telephone.

I appreciate this curfew imposed for the ones aged 65 and over. Because we have chronic diseases. We can move at home. We sunbathe at the balcony. My husband is delighted with the news of three-hour permission.

'I am a social person, it is a bit compelling'

74-year-old Yusuf Hoca living in İstanbul:

It is one thing to not go out as a preference and another thing to be unable to do so when you want. One needs to go to the bank, pay the bills...

I am a social person, I certainly go to all types of human-centered events, it is like a duty to me. I meet people in two or three events every week, we talk about the environment and future. I would not idle around when I went to the summer house, for instance. When you said "Environmentalist Yusuf Hoca", everyone would know me. Being unable to socialize is bothering me for that reason. This closure causes stress, albeit a little.

For instance, my phone has broken down today, I am now thinking about it, because it is everything to me. I have been at home for a month. As children are home, the hardships are not that grave, but what about the ones who don't have any friends or relatives? We are a bit lucky because we live in an apartment with a garden. Sometimes, I take my precautions and go downstairs. In the beginning, I would open the TV and watch the discussion programs with professors. But the views expressed there are not very clear, either. It is still debated whether one needs to wear a mask or not. I am naturally confused. There is a great confusion of information.

A virus has brought everyone to their knees, I define it as a semi-doomsday. The ones with a good economy will get over it.

Curfew was a right decision at first, but it should have been imposed gradually, not all of a sudden. It is said that a three-hour permission will be given to the ones aged 65 and over in the days of general curfew, but what errands will we run if all state offices are closed? On the other side, it will be good to move and see some sunlight.

'You walk at home, but it is of no avail'

66-year-old Macit living in Antep:

I have never left home for a month. I had to go to the hospital one day. Our life is nothing but water, soap and eau de cologne now.

Walking is a must. I had bypass before and my veins need to work. It is of no avail no matter how much you walk inside the home. We should be allowed to go out at certain hours, say in 7-8 in the morning or in the evening. Also, one wants to meet one's needs oneself, like shopping.

People get bored behind four walls. Some friends of ours are experiencing mental problems, for instance. (AÖ/SD)