Should lockdown for the over 70s be extended when it’s relaxed for everyone else?

I totally agree Masquereader with everything you said. Thank you for saying it!

I dont think there should be an upper age limit as a lot of over 70s are fit and well, I think it should be for those who have underlying health conditions regardless of age. This virus is attacking all ages not just the over 70s.

The reason is a scientific one - it’s because the over-70’s immune systems are less efficient than younger people’s, no matter how physically active you are in yourself. Even at the top of Everest or at the end of a marathon, your immune system is still 70+yo.

There’s even talk of extending it down to 60+’s like me, because they’re succumbing in quite large numbers, too.

We can all make our own minds up but the staff who will need to nurse us should we fall ill won’t have the choice as to whether to care for us or not.

Yes, it certainly should. The over 70s are, quite plainly, far more likely to die from Coronavirus - end of.

www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-age-sex-demographics/

I have 'underlying health conditions'(and God I hate that phrase!) but shall be wearing gloves and my big wind-around scarf as a mask,and, like Masquereader has written,I shall,responsibly,enjoy my limited freedom.
I knew I was cracking last night when I brought up a vid. of Queen singing 'I want to break free' - LOUD!

As we all know we don't live in a police state. We are strongly advised to do this and that but not made to. So really it will be up to the individual. If the government wants to forbid us to do something, then fines should be introduced like in Europe and Australia.

It's interesting that the Government have put all over 70s in the vulnerable group but, now they have extended the testing, they are offering to all over 65 who have symptoms. France's proposed loosening of lockdown includes keeping over 65s in lockdown.
As someone between 65 and 70, I wonder if we are considered vulnerable or not? How good is our immune system?

The government can recommend whatever they want but as individuals we can choose to isolate or not, so if you feel vulnerable stay in lockdown. They are very unlikely to mandate any particular group by age, it could not be enforced.

My Mum lived in sheltered accommodation and has not set foot outside her tiny flat for over 6 weeks.

Not so for many of the other residents - quite a few are just carrying on as normal. One lady even takes herself off on bus rides most days and yes, she is over 70 and in the 'at risk' category!

Others have family meetings in the front entrance hall.

Some people won't follow the rules for their own safety no matter what the criteria is.

I've read that it could be over 50s who may have to stay home

Am I the only person who'd be prepared to sign a waiver saying I would revoke my right to intensive care if I were to contract Covid 19 and become seriously ill after going against advice? I've done my best: kept myself occupied and healthy, stayed in touch with friends and family, facetimed my daughter and grandson: but this isn't a life. I was prepared for 12 weeks: made a mark in my diary, I could see an end. This isn't a life: and I don't think I'm the only person who feels this way. There are letters in the papers from others. I wanted to test the water to see how people felt here

As a policy it makes total to sense to gradually "release" younger people who are unlikely to become as ill if they catch the virus. The effect of that will be an increase in herd immunity, which makes it hard for the virus to spread as it cannot find enough non-immune people to attack, so it potentially dies out through absence of hosts.

So - when the older more vulnerable members of the population emerge they are less likely to catch it.

Looking at Germany, it isn’t going to be that easy I think

Masquereader - your plan falls down because it is not only yourself that you put at risk by defying any rules. I agree you should have the choice to place yourself at risk - but not others.

What about the bubble suggestion? Would people be prepared to remain mainly in lockdown if they could meet a few people in their bubble?

Believe me, I've no intention of putting anyone else at risk. One way to make me stay at home would be to convince me that I'm more likely to pass on the virus than someone else: but I don't think I am; and I wouldn't recklessly endanger my own life. I would continue to follow social distancing

‘End of’ Really????

The bubble bursts before it starts.

I have 11 close relatives. But my children have husbands/wives/partners who all have their families. They will have their own bubble. And so on and so forth

Also if its only from two households which adult child do I leave out?

The bubble suggestion helps, yes

... but I also hear what Oopsminty says.

Yes,, the bubble thing is going to be very difficult for many people. Sadly, I only have one child living close enough to be in my bubble. But then what happens to her husband’s family? They’re a big family and we couldn’t all fit in. It’ll be interesting to see how the concept works in the countries that are proposing this.

I personally shall do as Im told. Its about supporting the NHS as much as anything else. Over 70s make up a huge proportion of people requiring intensive care (and of dying of course). It makes sense for younger less vulnerable people to get out and about sooner so they can get back to work and support the economy. If everyone starts socialising at once there is likely to be a massive surge of cases again and we will be back to square one and back in lockdown Why don't people understand this? Of course we all want to get out of lockdown as soon as possible but we risk it going on for much longer if we don't cooperate with a phased return to normality.

Sorry i don't think it should be all down to age at all. Some will be susceptible but some will not. At just under 70 once the lock down is lifted I am doing all of the things I am able to do!!