Old age: It is defined as the period beyond the retirement age, by some, usually taken as starting around 65 years of age.
The term, “Old Age”, conjures up images of a frail, hunched, wrinkled body, with a toothless, dribbling mouth and uncontrollable bladder and bowels. Hardly surprising then, that many of us aspire an early, dignified death as compared to a prolonged dependent life.
But, old age to a large extent need not necessarily be synonymous with disease, dependence and a drab existence.
Ageing, an inevitable process, is commonly measured by chronological age and, as a convention, a person aged 65 years or more is often referred to as ‘elderly’. However, the ageing process is not uniform across the population due to differences in genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
STATISTICS:
Though growing old is a part of the life cycle, emerging demographic trends indicate an unusual phenomenon of population. A strong group of above 65 years of age is ‘building up’ to further challenge the medical world and pressurise the Government – as an elderly person costs the Health services, nine times as much as a young individual.
According to an estimation, the percentage of India’s population that is 65 years or older was 6.8964% in 2022. In 2023, the percentage was 7.07211%. Here are some other statistics about India’s population by age:
- 0–14 years: 25.68% in 2021
- 15–64 years: 67.49% in 2021
| S.No | Country | Percentage of People over 65 years |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 16% |
| 2 | JAPAN | 28.2% |
| 3 | UK | 18.3% |
| 4 | CANADA | 17.2% |
| 5 | CHINA | 11.9% |
What is Geriatrics?
Geriatrics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the health concerns of older people, including illnesses, diseases, and medications. Geriatricians are trained to develop care plans and manage the unique health needs of older adults.
Health Conditions
GERIATRICS
Senescence
A term used to describe the effects of aging that lead to a decrease in an organism's efficient functioning and an increased risk of death.
Longevity
The duration of an individual's life
Life expectancy
The average longevity of a population.
The World Health Organization defines the following age groups:
BASTIONS OF LONGEVITY
Vilcabamba, Ecuador:
Located in the Andes mountains, Vilcabamba has been famous for its high number of centenarians.
Hunza Valley, Pakistan:
Situated in the Karakoram mountains, the Hunza people are known for their exceptional health and longevity, attributed to their diet, lifestyle and clean environment.
Okinawa, Japan:
This island prefecture boasts one of the world’s highest life expectancies, with a strong tradition of healthy eating, physical activity and social connection.
Abkhazia, Georgia:
Nestled in the Caucasus mountains, Abkhazia is another region famous for its long-lived residents, who practice a traditional lifestyle with a focus on natural foods and community support.
Five Pillars of Healthy Aging
To age gracefully and healthily, seniors should focus on these five key areas:
1. Good Nutrition
Good diet plays an important role in promoting a person’s overall well-being during his/her senior years. Nutrition ensures our bodies receive all necessary nutrients, so we remain strong both physically and mentally, making it easier to cope up with age related illnesses. Good nutrition in seniors is vital for their good physical and mental health. It can help them better enjoy the golden years of life, free from diseases that come with poor diets such as obesity and diabetes.
2. Regular Physical Activity
Physical activity is just as important for healthy aging. It can help seniors be more productive and active throughout the day, maintain a strong body composition, avoid serious chronic diseases like Diabetes or Cardiovascular disease as they age, and gain muscle strength which will reduce their risk of falls later in life when mobility declines at older ages. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides several guidelines when it comes to physical activity . They include up to 60 minutes of exercise every day, exercising in intervals lasting at least 10 minutes each with two minutes of rest in between, doing 20-minutes of exercise several days a week and exercising at moderate intensity.
3. Social Engagement
Seniors who are socially engaged tend to be more healthy and physically fit than those who are lonely or isolated during their senior years. The WHO recommends healthy seniors engage in social activities at least twice each week. This could be something simple like attending events or festivals, spending time with family members at home, meeting up with friends for healthy dinners or drinks, doing volunteer work or joining support groups for healthy aging.
4. Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation in seniors can help promote active and healthy aging. It might be tough to think of things that would stimulate an older person’s mind, but there are many ways it can be done! For example, reading a good book or watching television shows with complex plots. Research has shown these activities have been found to reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 65% because they require mental activity necessary for memory retention and cognitive function needed for learning new information.
5. Meaningful Relationships
A study has found that seniors who participate in meaningful activities and relationships are healthier than those who do not. Healthy seniors should maintain healthy relationships and healthy interactions because the positive effect of having these healthy connections will help improve their overall health and well-being for healthy aging.
Conclusion: Redefining Old Age with Healthy Living
Aging doesn’t mean a decline—it’s an opportunity to embrace life with a fresh perspective. By focusing on nutrition, exercise, social connections, mental activities, and meaningful relationships, seniors can enjoy their golden years with vitality.
Start prioritizing healthy aging today to make old age a period of joy and independence!