Highlights
- World Health Organization estimates that by 2050 the global population of persons older than 60 years will become 2 billion. By 2020, the proportion of ageing population is set to double from the existing 12% to 22%.
- Ageism, the practice of discriminating against a person based on age is widespread and can have harmful effects on their health.
- ‘Take A Stand Against Ageism’, is the 2016 WHO theme for the International Older Adults Day that falls on 1st October.
Ageism, the practice of discriminating against people based on their age, is rampant and is akin to racism and sexism.
Due to long-held beliefs and prejudices, all elderly are perceived as ‘weak and frail’, ‘inefficient’ and ‘incapable’. Societal attitudes towards elderly, institutional policies and governmental apathy tend to perpetuate these beliefs further and the elderly are caught in a vicious cycle that may negatively impact their health and well-being.
Ageism in society also tends to unconsciously influence the way the elderly feel about themselves, as being physically weak and incapable, as economic burdens on the family and mentally deficient. Quite a few of these beliefs stem from incomplete knowledge and awareness of certain conditions such as dementia, and mistaking it to be a normal part of ageing.
Long-term health care of the elderly is commonly equated with poor working conditions, and makes it difficult to employ paid caregivers for the elderly. This in turn, makes life difficult for the elderly.
In short, ageism limits the framing and creation of better policies for the elderly.
Ageism has been shown to affect the heart, cause lower levels of self-efficacy and decrease productivity of the older adults.
Studies have shown that elderly persons with negative attitudes to aging die nearly 8 years earlier than those with positive views about aging.
Taking a Stand Against Ageism
The society values youth more than elderly, hence tackling ageism will not be easy. However old age brings with it wisdom and experience and the elderly in the society needs to be cherished and not scorned away. One old person expressed himself eloquently when he wrote on Dreams in Thyme -
These are survival lines of my life
Each one holds a story, a laugh or a memory
They are like snowflakes, no two are alike’
Some actions that may aid in combating ageism include –
- Educating and creating knowledge among the public, policy makers, employers and service providers about aging through concerted campaigns.
- Changing existing laws against age-based discrimination.
- Role of media in putting forth a balanced view on ageing
Common Health Conditions Among the Elderly
The global aging population (people over 60 years) is set to double in the next ten years. Countries need to come up with policies and develop infrastructure to meet their requirement
Providing accessible health care will be a major challenge. The common diseases among the elderly include –
- Heart disease,
- Stroke
- Chronic lung disease
- Sensory impairments, especially visual and auditory
- Depression
- Neck pain
- Frequent falls
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Osteoarthritis
The following tips may improve quality of life for the elderly –
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce risk of lifestyle diseases
- Regular physical activity to keep muscles strong, joints flexible, and for a healthy heart.
- Eating healthy foods and taking regular supplements
- Being in regular touch with family and friends
- Fall-proofing the house
- Regular medical and dental check-ups
- Regular visual and hearing check-ups
- Reduce stress by practising relaxation techniques
- Regular screenings such as mammography, bone densitometry and Pap smear in women, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in men
References:
- 10 Facts on Ageing and Health - (http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/ageing/en/)
- Ageism - Frequently Asked Questions - (http://www.who.int/ageing/features/faq-ageism/en/)
- International Day of Older Persons - (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Older_Persons)