How Kyrgyzstan’s Resource Centre for the Elderly is helping seniors during the pandemic
The effects of isolation have placed vulnerable seniors at even greater risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, experienced civil society organizations like the Resource Centre for the Elderly, which supports day-care centres for older people in Kyrgyzstan, knew just how to help. In partnership with WHO/Europe, and in the spirit of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing, they were able to protect over 3600 people.
“The pandemic caused a lot of damage and affected all kinds of activities that we offer, but I would say that we maintained the dignity of our members, thanks to the support of the government and organizations such as WHO,” says Erkingul Kurmanalieva, Director of Bishkek Social Centre for the Elderly and Disabled.
In this photography series, we capture how older and disabled people are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic in Kyrgyzstan.How Kyrgyzstan’s Resource Centre for the Elderly is helping seniors during the pandemic-1
At the Bishkek Social Centre for the Elderly and Disabled, residents are not only encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine but also to maintain their physical and mental health during the pandemic.
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They can read in the library…
How Kyrgyzstan’s Resource Centre for the Elderly is helping seniors during the pandemic-3
engage in physical activity...
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and participate in physical therapy, such as group gymnastics.
“At the beginning of the pandemic older people were very worried. Communication with their relatives was cut off. There was a lot of distress. Physiotherapy helped them start to feel better, they came alive and started socializing again,” reports Irina Pobejimova, a physiotherapist at the social centre.
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Some residents have even used their green fingers to cultivate an indoor garden.
Valentina Podgaichenko, 70 is a member of the Day Care Centre for the Elderly, in Balykchy, Issyk-Kul Region. “The centre kept in touch with us, calling, taking care of us, offering vaccinations. Doctors visited to check our eyes and now I wear glasses. We have a good, fun time. It gives us inspiration. It makes me feel my life is important,” she reflects.
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“We come here for conversation, to talk to newcomers, make friends. We share advice about how to live and enjoy better health,” adds Kudaibergen Balgeldiev, 76.
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Venera Bilaliyeva, Director of the Centre for General Medical Practice in Balykchy says that the pandemic had a negative impact on elderly people in the area, especially those with chronic diseases, like diabetes and hypertension. “On World Diabetes Day, we held events and found people who didn’t know that they had high blood sugar,” she reports.
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The Resource Centre for the Elderly works in the 7 regions of Kyrgyzstan in partnership with leaders of small self-help groups and community councils who share health information with older people.
“The Day Care Centre in Balykchy provided us with vaccination and masks, and this might be the reason why I did not get sick,” considers Ekaterina Zinchenko, 95.
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Here, older people at a centre in Bishkek enjoy a craft workshop. In emergencies, working with civil society organizations draws on the trusted relationship they have with the communities they serve, and the intimate knowledge they have about the needs and capabilities of those most at risk.
“I wish there were more centres like this so you could come, not only to discuss your problems, but also to be happy,” says Valentina Palamar, Council of Paramedics member, Day Care Centre for the Elderly, Balykchy.
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