Old Age is Not a Disease!

The presence of elderly family members is a blessing and with advanced medical care, India is witnessing a growing chunk of population living healthily and happily after reaching the benchmark age of 65 years. Yet, it is undeniable that geriatric diseases affect a substantial part of the senior population as they suffer from a host of emotional, psychological and physical problems.

Emotional Turbulences

Old age comes with a bundle of problems. While physical strength, fitness and immunity diminish at a steady pace, a lot of emotional troubles also start plaguing the elderly.

Many senior citizens feel lonely & experience the ‘empty nest syndrome’ as their children settle outside. With the joint family system fading into oblivion, senior citizens in India often find themselves feeling alone, neglected and depressed, even during the times when they occasionally live with their family members. A lack of social circle or close friends worsens the situation as they have no one to share their thoughts and feelings with, which further pushes them deep into the abyss of loneliness. 

According to a study by Agewell Foundation, a Delhi based NGO, one in every two elderly individuals in India suffers from loneliness. On the peripheral level, the situation may not look as alarming. But loneliness is becoming an emotional epidemic and mother of other diseases that is badly damaging elderly peoples’ health. 

Physical Challenges

A host of old age  diseases affect the senior population as they become vulnerable to Falls, Incontinence, Weight Loss, Diabetes, Coronary Heart Diseases, Hypertension, Stroke, COPD, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Cataracts, Macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease and Cancer. Several geriatric syndromes have multiple causes and multimorbidity makes the treatment even more problematic. 

In such geriatric diseases which are often characterised by the domino effect, advanced and expert medical care becomes a top priority. With timely medical interventions, our elderly can conquer these diseases successfully!

Psychological Issues

Several psychological issues manifest in old age leading to further behavioural or emotional issues. Mental illnesses like Alzheimer’s, dementia, depression, personality disorder and anxiety attacks often crop up. The patient stops trusting anyone, suspects everyone is plotting against him and that he is being observed and judged by all. 

A complex psychological state and a vicious circle of thoughts often engulf the patients. Medication and open communication can help uplift the spirits of the ageing patients and work wonders for their well-being.

 

Ageing Gracefully!

Being old is may be difficult, but there are ways to cope with the ageing process.

• Structured Day: It is important to have a structured day that keeps one engaged throughout. 
• Pursue Hobbies: One must get involved in meaningful activities or hobbies like reading, gardening etc. that make him happy.
• Post Retirement: After retirement, one must not sit at home and utilise his professional experience in a constructive way. 
• Positive Thinking: One must stay away from negativity and learn to look at the brighter aspects. 
• Social Circle: Having a circle of friends with whom one can sit and gossip and have discussions over anything is therapeutic for mind and soul! 
• Health check-ups: Regular health check-ups are a must to keep the onset of health issues in check.
• Exercise: Yoga or walk or dance classes- fit in at least half an hour for exercise in your routine.

Old age is certainly not a disease! It is a phase when immense strength and survivorship can help supersede vicissitudes, trials and illnesses that it brings along, and the process of emerging victorious!