According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, one in every six people in the world will be 60 years of age or older, and by 2050, 80% of the older population will be living in low- and middle-income countries. Startling pieces of statistics, which basically point to the fact that the pace of people ageing is much faster than in the past.
This calls for a comprehensive public health response to address the wide-ranging experiences and requirements of the older population, as the need for specialized care for the elderly becomes increasingly critical. Geriatric care must focus on improving their quality of life through all-inclusive health management including preventive strategies, while helping seniors staying independent and leading fulfilling lives.
To address this crying need, HP Ghosh Hospital is proud to unveil a dedicated initiative for senior citizens, ‘SnehoBandhan’, a comprehensive elderly care membership card designed to enhance accessibility and wellbeing for individuals in their golden years. It offers a host of value-added services and significant discounts across a wide range of medical and wellness offerings. This initiative reaffirms the hospital’s commitment to holistic and dignified elderly care.
Among the more prevalent conditions linked to old age are hearing loss, cataracts and refractive errors, back and neck pain and osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, depression and dementia. Some among the elderly experience multiple conditions simultaneously.
Key elements of geriatric care:
# Diagnostic care: Regular health evaluation and screenings to detect conditions early.
# Therapeutic care: Treating and managing chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.
# Preventive care: Vaccinations, dietary advice and routine checkups with an aim to prevent diseases.
# Rehabilitative care: Physical and occupational therapies and rehabilitation programmes following surgeries or injuries.
# Emotional support: Addressing mental health concerns like depression and anxiety, extremely common among older people.
# Social engagement: Combating loneliness and social isolation by encouraging participation in community activities.
Common conditions managed in geriatric care:
# Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: These are cognitive disorders that require specialized care to manage symptoms and maintain cognitive function.
# Cardiovascular diseases: Conditions like hypertension, heart failure and stroke are associated more with the elderly and need continuous monitoring and treatment plans.
# Osteoporosis and arthritis: With diminishing bone density, older adults are more vulnerable to fractures and joint trouble. Geriatric care stresses on both prevention and treatment of these conditions.
# Diabetes management: Managing diabetes can be a complicated task due to co-existing conditions. Geriatric care is geared towards providing integrated solutions.
Importance of preventive care and wellness
Preventive steps constitute the fulcrum of geriatric care. A sharp focus on wellness can help older adults maintain better health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions. Preventive care typically includes regular screenings, vaccinations and lifestyle modifications like regular exercise and a balanced diet. This aspect is accorded utmost importance at HP Ghosh Hospital so that older people get the opportunity to experience healthy living.
