In this chilly weather, it's aches and pains for the elderly

Bengaluru: As the city is struggling to cope with the sudden dip in the temperature to 19 degrees Celsius, some might enjoy the chill in the air, but the geriatric age group has lesser reasons to smile.

“The chill and the sudden dip in the temperature affect the blood circulation and increase the joint pain cases for patients suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis. As the blood vessels get constricted, the blood supply to the joints reduces and the pain increases. The cervical pain also increases for spondylitis patients," explained Dr Ajith Benedict Rayan, Medical Director, Hosmat.

Changes in the weather can affect the body and brain of the elderly. “Not just arthritis, but neurological pain too gets worse with chilly weather. Also, there is an increased likelihood for the elderly to get depressed in such weather," said Dr Anitha Arockasamy, President, India Home Health Care, who stresses that in such weather people should ensure that their surroundings are cheerful and they are surrounded by family members or caregivers.

"In such weather, we see respiratory infection cases becoming common and it can range from simple upper respiratory tract infection to pneumonia. In the very elderly age group, hypothermia can also set in. Asthma and bronchitis cases increase as well," said Dr Anoop Amarnath, Chairman – Geriatric Medicine, Manipal Hospitals.  

Apart from multiple layers of woolen clothing and avoiding outdoors, caregivers and children should ensure that they avoid crowded places as chances of catching infections increase. “They should always carry an antiseptic handwash while going out and using public toilets. It is advisable to get vaccinated. We routinely advise our patients to get flu and pneumonia vaccinations. It goes without saying that they need to keep themselves warm and hydrated," said Dr Anoop.