Date post: | 19-Jan-2017 |
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Healthcare |
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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