Old Age: Health Issues

Context:

Care for the elderly needs to be better targeted by the health system and social networks

National Health Policy (NHP), 2017:

It overlooks the rapid rise in the share of the old (60 years or more), and associated morbidities, especially sharply rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and disabilities.
With rising age, numerous physiological changes occur and the risk of chronic diseases rises.
It fails to make a distinction between the aged in general and those suffering from chronic conditions
Based on the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) 2015, among aged males and females, those suffering from NCDs nearly doubled during 2005-12

Non-communicable diseases:

The health system is ill-equipped to deal with surging NCDs
Staffs are not well trained to treat/advise the aged suffering from dementia or frailty
The quality of medical care is abysmal
Hospitalization costs are exorbitant and impoverishing.
Health insurance covers a fraction of medical expenses incurred.
A vast majority of those with NCDs had access to medical advice and treatment but the proportion remained unchanged during 2005-12 ,because
Heterogeneity in providers of medical help — from qualified doctors to faith healers and quacks
Sharp deterioration in the quality of medical services

Immunity and Loneliness:

Loneliness alters physiology at a more fundamental level.
Research shows that loneliness increases vascular resistance and diminishes immunity.

Networking as support

Today, ‘women are increasingly filling other roles, which limits the capacity of women and families to provide care for older people
Children often play an important role in elderly support
If social networks are instrumental in bonding together in periods of personal crises, this could compensate for a lack of family support
But lack of social harmony induces helplessness, disruption of medical supplies and network support.

Way forward

Health systems have to be configured to deal with not one NCD but multiple NCDs to manage them better.
The reconfigured medical system must be complemented by stronger family ties and social networks.
Need to create age-friendly environments that enable mobility and allow them to engage in basic activities.

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