OLD AGE AILMENTS

Senior Citizens are a treasure to our society. They have worked hard all these years for the development of the nation as well as the community. They possess a vast experience in different walks of life. The youth of today can gain from the experience of the senior citizens in taking the nation to greater heights. At this age of their life, they need to be taken care of and made to feel special. Indian Government provides several benefits through its schemes in various sectors of development.

With various tax benefits, travel and health care facilities provisioned for them, Indian Government has created reasons for Senior Citizens to feel happy. This corner on Senior Citizens is aimed at providing details on various aspects concerning them.

Health Ailments and Treatment

Hypertension, cardiac problems, diabetes, joint pains, kidney infections, cancer, tuberculosis and eye problems are some ailments that generally affect senior citizens. These disorders require proper and in some cases prolonged treatment. Medical treatments for senior citizens include various cures ranging from allopathic to naturopathy treatments.

We give you information about common health problems that affect senior citizens, prevention tips and treatment centres. If you are an older person, it is important that you get medical checkups regularly to prevent the onset of any of these health conditions. Once they occur, these conditions may take a long time to heal. This leads to a lot of unnecessary expenses and stress. That's why prevention is the best cure.

If you are unsure about your doctors' diagnosis, it always helps to get a second or third opinion from other doctors. Beware of fake or unscrupulous doctors who are out to make a quick buck. Government Hospitals are a good guarantee of the right diagnosis plus they are much cheaper than private hospitals. Always consult your doctor before undertaking any exercises, using medicines or dieting.

Arthritis and Osteoporosis

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joint. It is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. There are different types of arthritis that cause varied levels of discomfort. Treatment options include physical therapy, occupational therapy and medication as well as procedures such as an Arthroplasty or joint replacement surgery. A balanced diet, body cleansing, physical activity, sweating and relaxation techniques may be used make patients feel better.

Osteoporosis is a silent disease in which bones become extremely fragile. If left untreated, it can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, typically occur in the hip, spine and wrist. They are extremely painful and can take a long time to heal.

Prevention Steps

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of your blood vessels. Typical values for a healthy adult human are approximately 120/80. Large variations in blood pressure levels can be dangerous, so it always helps to keep your pressure under control. This can be done through regular checkups, medicines, lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques. Here are some basic steps that may be followed.

High Blood Pressure or Hypertension

1. Maintain a healthy body weight.
2. Follow a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy foods.
3. Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation.
4. Be physically active.
5. Quit smoking.

Low Blood Pressure

1. Drink a lot of water
2. Cool down after exercising. Stopping in the middle of an exercise routine can drop blood pressure.
3. Drink healthy juices or any non-alcoholic drinks.
4. Increase salt intake.
5. Take a walk after having a meal. This helps in bringing the blood pressure level to normal.

Please consult your doctor before undertaking any of the above steps.

Heart attack

A heart attack is caused by the death of the heart muscle due to loss of blood supply caused by blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries. In India, heart disease is the single largest cause of death in the country. Most heart problems are directly related to unhealthy eating habits, stress and lack of physical exercises.

To prevent heart attacks or other heart diseases, it is important to make changes in your lifestyle and live a healthy life. Undergoing medical check-ups regularly is equally important.

Given below are some of the basics of staying free from heart diseases.

1. Eat a healthy diet to prevent or reduce high blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.
2. Lose weight if you are overweight.
3. Quit smoking. Find alternative ways to cope with stress.
4. Participate in a physical activity. Do healthy exercises, walk, run and practice yoga (under supervision or guidance).

Kidney disease

Any diseases or disorder that affects the functioning of the kidneys is a kidney disease. Kidney diseases can be characterized as hereditary, congenital or acquired. Chronic kidney disease is known to affect the elderly and is associated with a high risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular disease and death.

About 200,000 persons in India go into terminal kidney failure every year. Millions of others suffer from lesser forms of kidney diseases. Keeping in mind the level of kidney problems in India a voluntary organization called the National Kidney Foundation (India) has been formed by concerned individuals.

Prevention of kidney disease

1. Keep blood pressure under control.
2. Maintain a healthy weight.
3. Maintain healthy levels of fats (lipids), such as cholesterol and triglycerides.
4. Do not smoke or use any tobacco products.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized high blood sugar and other signs. It occurs when the beta cells of the pancreas are unable to produce sufficient insulin. The main problem with diabetes is that it cannot be cured, it can only be managed to make you feel better.

Tips to control diabetes

1. Exercise daily: Morning walk, yoga, running and aerobics all help.
2. Make healthy food choices: Choose foods with lower fat, calories and salt. Try fresh vegetables and fresh fruits. Replace soft drinks with fresh juices and water.
3. Eat sensible meals and snacks at regular times throughout the day.
4. Eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to send a signal to your brain that you' are full.

DIABETIC FOOT;

The people suffering from diabetes must be careful for the cleanliness of the toes and the feet. They should be very careful about any injury on feet because it can lead to bigger complication. In case of numbness in the feet we should rush to the docter because slight carelessness can lead to amputation of the feet.

Eyes

Loss of vision and eye diseases like cataracts and age related macular degeneration are major eye problems of the elderly. The Government has launched the National Programme for Control of Blindness to treat various eye problems and control blindness. Here are some tips to help you maintain good eyesight -

Tips to avoid eye problems

1. When doing concentrated activity such as sewing or reading, rest your eyes for five minutes at 30-minute intervals. Look away from your work, close your eyes, or simply stare off into space.
2. Blink regularly. This breaks the continuous focus.
3. Palm your eyes. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply and cover your eyes with the palms of your hands.
4. Protect your eyes from direct sunrays and any kind of dangerous substances.