MANAGEMENT FOR THE ELDERLY

“Speaking generally,

all parts of the body which have function,

if used in moderation

and exercised in labors to which each is accustomed,

become healthy and well developed and age slowly.

But, if left unused and left idle,

they become liable to disease,

defective in growth and age quickly.”

Hippocrates, 370 BC

Aging begins at birth and ends at death Elderly people are incompetent and not

capable of making decisions or handling their own affairs

Older people are unhappy and lonely Elderly individuals do not want to work,

their goal is to retire; loss of interest in work

Gerontology The scientific approach to all aspects of aging (health,

sociological, economic, behavioral and environmental)

Geriatrics A branch of gerontology and medicine which deals

with the clinical, rehabilitative (remedial), psycho-social and preventive aspects of illness in elderly

people.

1. Maintenance of health in old age by not only through disease avoidance but to improve the overall quality of living.

Aim of rejuvenation in old age

2. Early detection of disease and appropriate selection of therapy offering the least possible side effects (Alternative therapy).

3. Maintenance of maximum independence.

4. Deliverance of counseling during times of need and provide necessary care and support.

Impaired homeostasis Atypical features Multiple pathology Unreported illnesses Multiple causative factors for illness

Special Characteristics of Diseases in Old Age

Intellectual failure

Instability and

ImmobilityIncontinence

The Giants of GeriatricsThe Big Three ‘I’s

Intelligence Rehabilitation

Normal

ModerateCognitive

Impairment

Mild Cognitive

Impairment

SevereCognitive

Impairment

Clock Drawing Test

Biological age < chronological age (person looks less than his/her age)

Successful aging

REMEMBER…..

Recognizing normal changes allows the individual to adapt and cope

Step 1: Eating a Healthy Diet

Especially rich in minerals and vitamins so as to provide necessary protection to the bones and

from other host of illness too.Includes also adequate water consumption.

REJUVENATION INCLUDES…

WHEAT GRASS JUICE

DALS & PULSES

FRESH FRUITS&

JUICES

To follow a disciplined schedule of favorably yoga practices with or without mild exercises.

Have to practice keeping in mind the do’s and don’t’s.

Focus more on those techniques which ensures good relaxation to the mind and body rather than aggressive/ strenuous ones.

Step 2: Regular yoga &/or exercise regime

It includes indulging in favourite past times/ hobbies apart from the exercises.

Prevents ‘stagnation’ (tamas) from accumulating causing further degeneration and depression.

Should be motivated to do those activities which was always yearned to do while they were younger.

"The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.“

James Taylor

Step 3: Active lifestyle

Gardening Indoor games

Puzzles

Just be a bit careful though…..

oCAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) –

effective therapeutically cost effective minimal side effect

oCareful history taking and/or comorbidities must be taken in right consideration before therapy is prescribed.

oSudden halt of medication until shown harmful, must not be entertained.

Step 4: Take occasional alternative therapies

MassageHydrotherapyAcupunctureMagnetotherapyChromotherapyDiet therapyHerbal therapyAyurvedic rejuvenation therapies

Therapies that are favorites amongst the elderly population

Jara Avastha- ‘old age phase’….it’s treatment is one of Ayurveda’s eight important branches of therapy

Rasayana /Kayakalpa Chikitsa- therapy for slowing down the aging process. Divided into 2: i. Mainly for rejuvenation and PPHii. For curative purposes

More effective during Poorva Vayah(16-30 yrs.) and Madhya Vayah (30-70 yrs.).

Its effects are seen on the physical and psychological factors.

Glimpse into Ayurvedic Management

SmokingStrict dieting

Heavy drinking (alcohol)High caffeine consumption

Diet low in essential nutrients

Inactive lifestyle

Step 5: Avoid Harmful Habits

Love

Care

Understanding

The guiding principles for healthy aging:

Ahara: Fasting, Nutrition and dietetics Vihara: Tuning to nature (yoga) Achara: Disciplined way of living

(habits) Vichara: Mental health (positive

thinking) Vyavahara: Actions in harmony with

nature

CONCLUSION