THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While Kerala is home to the largest geriatric population thanks to the longest life expectancy in the country, the state lacks organised elderly care programs.
With the elderly population projected to go up from the present 13.5 per cent to 18 per cent of the state’s total population in a decade, there is a need for a comprehensive policy addressing the core issues of aged people. One of the major factors that has contributed to the high percentage of elderly population is also the drop in birth rate and death rate.
A large number of elderly in the state are affected by chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, diabetic nephrophathy, age related eye diseases, cataract, muscular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Experts emphasise on the need for planning for healthy ageing right from the age of 30 years, adopting healthy lifestyles, scientific management of chronic illnesses. Yearly tests, preventive vaccination, regular medical check-ups can help in preventing onset of major diseases.
Judicious selection and combination of multiple drugs considering the age associated deterioration in kidney function is also important to prevent serious adverse effects.
International treatment guidelines specific to diabetes in the elderly wherein blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol targets are decided based on the remaining life expectancy of an individual, need to be incorporated in elderly health care plan here as well.
Unsuccessful treatment of diabetes during the younger years, due to unawareness and cost concerns are the major reasons for occurrence of multiple devastating complications in old age, resulting in more than 5 fold increase in expenses and added mental depression.
Experts also point out the importance of daily physical activity in the elderly. According to a recent study, not even 10% of the elderly in India do physical exercise as per the recommendations.
Non-medical interventions play a major role in geriatric care. Depression, agitated behaviour and loss of sleep are some of the common problems among elderly. Another major problem among elderly in Kerala is the state of widows who constitute nearly 55 per cent of the total elderly population. With most women spending their old age without spouse support, solitude and lack of proper care givers, experts say it is high time the psycho social issues of lone elderly women are addressed comprehensively.
Geriatric care is one of the biggest challenges that Kerala is facing at the moment. While several steps have been taken for ensuring quality geriatric care, much needs to be done on this front to ensure quality of life not only for the aged but also for their care givers.
The new health policy which going to be formulated in a couple of months, should be coming out with a comprehensive to ensure quality life, regular treatment, sustenance and family support for the elderly. Since health care for elderly is not only expensive but prolonged one because of the chronic ailments that set in during twilight years, the new policy has to take all these factors into consideration.
A multi pronged strategy involving policy makers, NGOs, health care institutions and the public at large is required to deal with the issue of elderly. There is also a need for an army of committed doctors and social workers for an organised geriatric care programme which guarantees successful prolongation of lifespan combined with quality of life.
