Old Age Assistance

Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been

Older people are a valuable resource for any society. Ageing is a natural phenomenon with opportunities and challenges. According to Census 2011, India has 104 million older people (60+years), constituting 8.6% of total population. Amongst the elderly (60+), females outnumber males..

The National Programme for Health Care of Elderly and Health and Wellness Centres under the Ayushman Bharat programme provide dedicated healthcare to elderly at primary health care settings.

In the last few years, medical science has identified a new group within the senior citizen category, namely that of super-agers. The term refers to people in their 70s and 80s who have the mental or physical capability of their decades-younger counterparts. With the world ageing at a rapid rate, it is estimated that by 2030 there will be 34 nations with over 20% population above 65.years. In recent years, long-term studies on “super agers” from across the globe are studying behaviours, habits and health indicators of < 90 years. Apart from those with dementia and cognitive decline, healthy agers are a subject of interest to researchers. While general health, family history, psychosocial aspects are being studied, the need for improved and targeted integrated-care approaches that are community-based, designed around needs of older persons and with effective coordination and long-term care systems are critical must-haves. This is true for every society, especially those with ageing and super-ageing populations.