Goa's aging population has been a concern expressed in the assembly, especially by Manohar Parrikar, who was the state's chief minister before he was elevated as India's defense minister last year. Dr. Dr. Shekhar Salkar, a leading oncologist has warned that the famous holiday destination Goa is just one or two generations away from being a haven for geriatrics.
Dropping fertility rates and the mortality odometer swinging in the opposite direction, its young workforce migrating away from its shores and the increasing trend of the state being a top destination for the country's retired and elderly appear to be only contributing to Goa's aging population.
Dropping fertility rates and the mortality odometer swinging in the opposite direction, its young workforce migrating away from its shores and the increasing trend of the state being a top destination for the country's retired and elderly appear to be only contributing to Goa's aging population.
Parrikar's fears already find reflection in the 2011 census data, which ranks Goa second after Kerala as far as the proportion of the old dependent population above the age of 60 years is concerned, at 11.2%. Incidentally, Goa also has the lowest proportional population within the 0-9 years age-group. Official data revealed that the fertility rate in the state, the average number of children per woman in the 15-35 year age bracket, has shrunk from 2.1 to 1.7. A fertility rate of 2.1 indicates a stable population, while anything below 2.1 suggests shrinking population growth.
With population trends suggesting Goa's rapid march towards an era of geriatry, the Manipal Hospital, is already gearing up for the demand by promoting home care services in Goa. Gopal Devanhalli, Chief operating officer of Manipal Health Enterprises said, "In Goa, within a generation or two we will have geriatric-oriented problems. So we have prepared for that to ensure that the elderly population can be well looked after. Our home care section will be our main thrust. The service would involve home visits by technicians and nurses who will be linked through technology to medical professionals who will examine the patient by remote. This will ensure that you do not have to bring the patient to the hospital for every small blood pressure test or blood test."
Source: Medindia
- << 1 in 3 Babies Tap on Smartphones, Tablets Even Before They L...
- 197 Malaria Cases in Tibetan Settlements in 2014: Tsering Wa... >>
Recommended Reading
Slowing Aging Process Could Help Treat Neurodegenerative Diseases
A new and unique compound, named NT219, selectively inhibits the process of aging in order to protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases, without affecting lifespan, find researchers.
Anti-aging Secrets to a Younger You
Is there anyone in this world who fails to be swayed by the magic of youth? None, for when youth explodes joyously all Nature smiles!
Anti-Aging Treatment with Vinotherapy or Wine Facials
Experience the bliss of vinotherapy - the power of grapes for a kissable skin.
Signature of Aging Exist Solely in the Brain: Study
Researchers have identified signature of aging in the brain, suggesting the possibility of slowing the cognitive decline in older people in the future.
