India catalogues second in terms of population in the world and accounts for about 17% of the population. But with 7.7% of its population over 60 years of age, India is slowly becoming “an ageing nation”. Though the health care policies and programs in India have improved vastly over the years, the current statistics of the elderly in India preambles a new nexus of medical conditions on the rise.
According to recent census for people over 60 years of age in India, 10 per cent are suffering from impaired physical vigour and 10 per cent are hospitalised at any given time, both quotas escalating with increasing age. The COVID-19 pandemic and changing demographics have made the elderly vulnerable to health-related issues. These significantly impact an elderly person’s quality of life, affecting their ability to perform usual activities and overall well-being. A few of the most common medical conditions over 60 years of age are:
Delirium
Delirium broaches to a rapid onset of confusion and disorientation, which may be triggered by different medical conditions, drug misuse, or exposure to harmful substances. Additionally, it may signify an underlying medical problem like infection, electrolyte imbalances, head injury, or liver and kidney failure. The prevalence of delirium in India hasn’t been adequately researched. Nonetheless, it is thought to affect up to 50% of hospitalized patients, especially those who are elderly, critically ill, or have preexisting medical conditions.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a wonted problem among older adults and can be caused by various factors, including weakened pelvic muscles, nerve damage, and prostate problems in men. In India, there is a significant amount of stigma and taboo associated with urinary incontinence, often resulting in people not seeking medical help. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment, making it more challenging to manage the condition.
Frailty
Frailty evinces as weakness, enervation, and reduced physical abilities. The United Nations projects that the proportion of Indians aged 60 and above will increase from 8% in 2015 to 19% in 2050, indicating a significant demographic shift that will likely result in a rise in older individuals with frailty and other age-related ailments. Frailty in India is caused by multiple factors, including inadequate nutrition, insufficient physical activity, chronic conditions, and social seclusion. The prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes in India also adds to the likelihood of frailty developing in older adults.
At Artha Senior Care, we have in-house trained caregivers and nurses constantly monitoring and watching over elderly patients round the clock and ensuring they are tended to. We know that staying away from dear ones at this age gets tricky for some people and provide personal attention both medically and socially as an extended family. Regular doctor visits also check for any underlying health problems with reputed hospitals just 5-10 minutes away from Artha in case of emergencies.
