Aging is a natural and unavoidable phenomenon, which has its own set of challenges to overcome. The 2011 census suggests that India has an elderly population of a whopping 104 million. With advancements in modern medicine and a rise in overall quality of life, these numbers are going to increase in the upcoming decades. Hence, it becomes necessary to analyze the situation and devise efficient home healthcare for the elderly in the coming times. Read till the end to get an idea of the current scenario better.
Six most common health conditions in the elderly and ways to manage them
Some of the common health issues faced by aging people are as follows:
- Mental health disorders: The occurrence of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, etc. is increasing at an alarming rate among the elderly. Although these problems don’t have a permanent cure, leading a healthy lifestyle, with proper diet, physical activity, and social interactions, may help.
- Diabetes: Beyond the age of 45, diabetes risk increases. It is a disorder that develops when the body is unable to properly use or manufacture insulin. Consuming a healthy diet, regular exercise and proper monitoring is the way to stay fine.
- Arthritis: One of the most common health issues, arthritis is the inflammation of joints, causing pain and stiffness. Exercising is important, especially stretching of affected areas. If obese, losing weight is necessary.
- High Cholesterol: It is a problem that happens when your body produces too many harmful lipids (or fats), which can block your arteries and lead to cardiovascular disorders. One must minimize fat intake i.e no consumption of oily fatty food. An active lifestyle is also required.
- High blood pressure: Suffering from hypertension can lead to a greater risk of strokes and heart attacks. Reduced alcohol and salt intake, daily exercise, and monitoring blood pressure are some solutions to follow.
- Kidney diseases: With age, kidney function starts to decline. Other health issues such as high blood pressure, and diabetes trigger kidney damage frequently. The best advice would be to talk to a medical expert for a checkup.
Challenges and Solutions in the Home Care for the Elderly in India
Several challenges are involved in home healthcare for the elderly in India. Some of those are:
- Elderly people often lose bladder control, leading to more bedwetting.
- Many of them develop diseases such as dementia, which makes it difficult for them to pursue daily chores alone.
- In India, the field of geriatric care is terribly under-resourced. Most caregivers aren’t trained or experienced for the job.
- Senior citizens often have limited movement and impaired vision. This minimizes their getting out of their homes.
In India, introducing subsidies for aged care should fall within the collective obligation of the government as well as the individual responsibility of people and households. Additionally, there’s a need for better geriatric facilities and public awareness. This will ensure proper healthcare for the elderly.
Everyday Health Problems Faced By Elderly Citizens
The following are some frequent health issues that affect senior citizens:
- Movement issues: Because of ailments like joint discomfort or muscular weakness, many older persons have difficulty getting out of their chairs or walking.
- Vision and hearing issues: Older persons frequently experience age-related vision and auditory issues, which can affect their everyday activities and communication.
- Anxiety and depression: Older individuals have a greater tendency to experience despair and anxiety because of things like social isolation, chronic sickness, and family bereavement.
Health Laws Relating to the Elderly in India
To safeguard the health and welfare of the senior people, India has a number of laws and regulations in place. In India, some important laws and regulations pertaining to the elderly include:
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: The upkeep and security of parents and older citizens are covered by this legislation. Seniors might use it to request maintenance and help from their kids or other members of their families. The law also creates old-age residences and offers older residents property and life security.
- National Policy on Older Persons, 1999: The government’s obligations to the health and well-being of seniors are outlined in this policy. It strives to give older residents access to social safety, medicine, and inexpensive housing.
- National Program for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): The objective of this initiative is to offer comprehensive healthcare for the elderly. It calls for the construction of geriatric clinics, daycare facilities, and aged mobile medical units.
Conclusion
One can have healthy, fulfilling lives in their golden years with the aid of sound healthcare for the elderly that includes methods for financing the care and a plan to develop an ecosystem for elder welfare. Immediate action must be taken to develop and put into place such a strong set of policies since, within the following 30 years, the aged are expected to make up 20% of the nation’s total population. Ayu Health have robust healthcare for the elderly that especially caters to their needs. Reach out to 6366100800 for more information about the available services.
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