Health Problems In Elderly population.pptx

India, the world’s second most populous country, has experienced a dramatic demographic transition in the past 50 years, entailing almost a tripling of the population over the age of 60 years (i.e., the elderly) (Government of India, 2011). This pattern is poised to continue. It is projected that the proportion of Indians aged 60 and older will rise from 7.5% in 2010 to 11.1% in 2025 (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs [UNDESA], 2008). This is a small percentage point increase, but a remarkable figure in absolute terms. According to UNDESA data on projected age structure of the population (2008), India had more than 91.6 million elderly in 2010 with an annual addition of 2.5 million elderly between 2005 and 2010. The number of elderly in India is projected to reach 158.7 million in 2025 (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2008), and is expected, by 2050, to surpass the population of children below 14 years (Raju, 2006).

Summary figures mask the unevenness and complexities of the demographic transition within India across Indian states with different levels of economic development, cultural norms, and political contexts. Projected estimates of population structure in 2025 for North India retain a “pyramidal” shape, while for south India, the share of the elderly population is expected to expand considerably. Linear growth in the population of the elderly is expected in the next 100 years, with steeper gradients of increase in central and east India and leveling off of absolute numbers of elderly in the north, south, west, and northeast (Aliyar and Rajan, 2008).

A few important characteristics of the elderly population in India are noteworthy. Of the 7.5% of the population who are elderly, two-thirds live in villages and nearly half are of poor socioeconomic status (SES) (Lena et al., 2009). Half of the Indian elderly are dependents, often due to widowhood, divorce, or separation, and a majority of the elderly are women (70%) (Rajan, 2001). Of the minority (2.4%) of the elderly living alone, more are women (3.49%) than men (1.42%) (Rajan and Kumar, 2003). Thus, the majority of elderly reside in rural areas, belong to low SES, and are dependent upon their families.

While the southern states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) may be considered the biggest drivers of aging in India, other Indian states (notably Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, and Punjab) are also experiencing an elderly population boom, largely in rural areas (Alam and Karan, 2010). Large-scale studies of the health behaviors of this growing elderly Indian population are scarce. However, information gathered from numerous surveys and regional and local studies point to the high prevalence of several risky behaviors, such as tobacco and alcohol use (Goswami et al., 2005; Gupta et al., 2005; Mutharayappa and Bhat, 2008), and physical inactivity (Rastogi et al., 2004; Vaz and Bharathi, 2004). These are issu

1. Health Problems In Elderly Presented by: Roll no. 19040 to 19046

2. Introduction Ageing is a progressive and generalised impairment of body function resulting in loss of adaptive responses to stress and increasing the risk of age related diseases. Geriatrics – Means the care of Aged.It is derived from Greek word ‘ geras ’ means ‘ old age’ and ‘ iatros ’ means ‘doctor’.

3. A) Problems due to aging process With the passage of time , certain biological changes take place in the human body that eventually lead to death. Ageing is associated with deterioration in vitality and lowering of biological efficiency.

4. Some of the disabilities incident to aging process are : Senile cataract leading to diminished or complete loss of vision Glaucoma Emphysema Osteoporosis which affects the mobility

5. Changes in the mental outlook Failure of special senses Nerve deafness

6. B) Problems associated with long term illness Some chronic diseases are more frequent among the older people than younger people. 1. Degenerative diseases of heart and blood vessels : eg . Atherosclerosis and narrowing of vessels leads to diminished blood supply, thromus formation, rupture of blood vessels and high BP.

7. 2. Cancer: It is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Incidence of cancer rises after 40 years of age. Prostate cancer is common after 65 years of age.

8. 3. Accidents : Due to aging process, the bones of elderly people become fragile due to decalcification as a result of which bones break easily. More common in home than outside. Most common problem is fracture of femur.

9. 4. Diabetes : Leading cause of death as the population grows older. 75% of diabetics are over 50 years of age.

10. 5 . Diseases of locomotor system : Common in elderly. Cause more discomfort and disability than any other chronic disease in elderly. Example: Rheumatoid arthritis,Gout , myositis,fibrositis , osteoarthritis,etc .

11. 6. Respiratory illnesses : Chronic bronchitis, asthma and emphysema are of major importance.

12. 7. Genitourinary system : Enlargement of prostate, dysuria, nocturia , frequent and urgency of micturition are common complaints.

13. C) Psychological Problems: Mental Illnes : Impaired memory Rigidity of outlook Dislike of changes Sexual Adjustment: Between 40-50 years there is menopause in females and decrease in sexual activity in males

14. It leads to irritability, jealousy, physical & emotional disturbances. Emotional Disorder: Results from social maladjustment Failure to adapt can results in bitterness, depression,or even suicide.

15. Lifestyle and Healthy Ageing People can do a great deal to influence the individual risk of developing many of the diseases of later life by paying careful attention to lifestyle factors These Factors are :

16. 1.Diet and Nutrition A good diet reduces the chances of developing the diseases of old age. The diet should be balanced with less saturated fats and oils; should contain lots of fruits and vegetables; salt and sugar should be less; include plenty of calcium rich food; eat high fibre diet.

17. 2. Exercise It helps maintain good health as – it helps to control weight Improves emotional well being and releives stress Improves blood circulation Increases flexibility and improves balance Lowers BP and blood sugar levels Improves bone density

18. 3 .Weight Overweight and obesity have become major problem world wide ,it contributes to many diseases of later life. Obesity is an important factor in heart diseases,stroke,hypertension,diabetes,arthritis and breast cancer.

19. 4.Refrain from Tobacco and Alcohol use Tobacco consumption either in smoke or smokeless form is associtaed with oral, lung and esophageal cancer Alcohol consumption is associated with liver diseases, stomach ulcer,gout , depression, osteoporosis, heart diseases, breast cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Older people are more sensitive to effects of alcohol then younger people.

20. 4. Participation in social activites In old age ,people tend to get socially isolated. Therefore an active effort should be made to mingle with others of the same age group. Being part of support group is encouraged. Family members should also make an active effort to involve the elders in all the family activities.

21. Care Of Dependent Adults In INDIA

22. National Policies For Older People 1.National Policy on Older Person Announced by GOI in Jan 1999 Identifies principle areas of intervention like financial security Healthcare Nutrition and shelter Education and welfare Protection of life and property of older citizens

23. The programme for the first time recognizes formation of self groups,association of older persons for advancement of their rights and utilization of their experience and services 234 old age homes , 398 daycare centres , 40 mobile medical units are operational.

24. 2.National Social Assistance Programme Old age pension is being provided to more than 4 million destitute elderly all over the country, amount varies from state to state

25. 3. Old age social and income security project Was launched comprehensively examine policy questions connected with old age income security

26. 4.Health Care facilities are provided by - Bhavishya Arogya Mediclaim Rural group life insurance scheme

27. 5.Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme Was launched on 19 November 2007 To provide monthly pension to people over 65 years and living below poverty line. Cover about 1.57 crore people

28. 6.Helpage India Biggest voluntary organization working for cause and care of senior citizens facing disadvantages It supports the following programmes to make life easier for older people- -Free cataract operations -Mobile medicare units -Income generation and micro credits

29. -Old age homes and day care centres -Adopt a gran
-Disaster mitigation

30. Reference: Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine( Edition 26). Images from Google.

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