Thiruvananthapuram: Experts have called for starting preventive geriatric care at the age of 30 years or even before to ensure a problem free old age. They said detection of familial illnesses, adult vaccinations, systematic treatment of already prevailing diseases despite the absence of symptoms, are all essential factors to ensure health in old age. The experts were speaking at ‘Life after 70 years’ a panel discussion held as part of the national JPEF CME organized by P Kesavadev Trust in association with Geriatric Society of India here the other day. Dr Rajasekharan Nair, retired professor of Neurology spoke about the need for early recognition of causes for the decline in memory since many of them are treatable. Dr. Benny P.V of Sree Gokulam Medical College discussed the pros and cons of old age homes for elderly.
Dr. K.A Kumar, Retired Professor of Psychiatry, pointed out that any unusual behaviour in old age, may it be an extrovert behaviour, should be brought to the attention of the family physician since this can be a sign of a psychiatric illness. Dr. Roy R Chandran from Govt. Medical College, Alleppey shared tips for staying fit in old age. D. Vishad Viswanath, Rheumatologist, described the significance of screening for osteoporosis. One needs to be careful since osteoporosis is a silent epidemic resulting in fractures of vertebrae, hip bone, ribs etc. which are easily preventable.
Dr. Ramnathan Iyer, Sleep Specialist from Mumbai, emphasized the need for assessing the quantity and quality of sleep among the elderly people since it largely contributes to their quality of life. Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev, outlined the importance of a physician trained in the care of elderly to monitor and supervise since most patients get treated by multiple specialists and hence there could be duplication and chances of drug-drug interactions. The panel agreed with international guidelines on choosing treatments for illnesses in the elderly based on their biological age and not based on their real age, the reason being, a 67-year-old individual can have a functional age of 45 years whereas another person will have a functional age of 80 years.
