The elderly are more susceptible to high risk, understand the epidemic to prevent rumors; have a regular life and rest, effective prevention of disease to ensure safety. The elderly should have a regular lifestyle, so that they can be safe. –Niu Wenyi, Professor, School of Public Health, Peking University School of Medicine The elderly are susceptible to and at high risk for infectious diseases because of their weakened immune function. The majority of the critically ill in this novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak are elderly people. With the outbreak and spread of novel coronavirus pneumonia, psychological adjustment and reassurance for the elderly are particularly important. Only by understanding the disease correctly and adjusting their mindset, the elderly will not be dominated by fear during the epidemic and will remain physically and mentally healthy. 1. Be well informed about the epidemic and prevent panic by believing rumors As older adults are more accustomed to obtaining information through traditional media such as newspapers and TV, they are easily confused by rumors because they rely too much on self-published articles when understanding health and wellness knowledge. It is recommended that the relatives and caregivers of the elderly pay more attention to the scientific content of authoritative media, and explain the spread and prevention and control of novel coronavirus pneumonia to the elderly in simple and easy-to-understand language to avoid causing fear. At the same time, older adults should also be fully aware of the hazards of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic and improve their own awareness and self-protection capabilities. 2. Maintain regular work and rest to effectively fight against the disease and maintain health Normal work and rest and regular life have positive effects on relieving anxiety and fear. Even if activities are limited during the spread of the epidemic, it is important for the elderly to maintain their previous work and rest to prevent insomnia and anxiety at night due to excessive sleep during the daytime; they should also avoid relieving tension through smoking and alcohol. Some elderly people are used to gathering to play chess and cards. Restrictions on travel during the spread of the epidemic will prevent them from continuing their recreational life and may lead to depression and restlessness. Family members and caregivers should actively pay attention to the emotional and psychological changes of the elderly, and can divert their attention through alternative products such as short videos and TV programs. 4. Enhance communication with family and friends and seek professional help when necessary When facing an epidemic, some older adults may have poor coping styles such as denial, avoidance and withdrawal, over-reliance on others, and blaming and complaining. Older adults should communicate with their loved ones and caregivers to address specific causes and add confidence to each other. Some organizations have opened psychological counseling hotlines and online assistance services for the epidemic. If the anxiety and fears of the elderly are still not relieved, they may try to seek professional help. Reviewer: Yu Hualiang, Deputy Chief Physician, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China National Level 2 Psychological Counselor, Hypnotherapist References: 1. What should I do? 3. Sichuan Psychiatric Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, “Psychological Self-Help Manual for Pneumonia with Novel Coronavirus Infection” (General Public)