World Elder's week

World Elder's day was celebrated on 1st  October ,all over the world.The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro sciences (NIMHANS),Bangalore celebrated for a week from september 30 to 1st October as World Elders week.The UN declared October 1st as the World Elders day on its 20th anniversary.As age advances , there will be a decline in reasoning, memory, and other mental abilities .The decline in the cognitive functions finally leads to difficulties in carrying out day to day activities .Medically this condition is called Dementia.This senility is most common in old people and is a NOT a normal part of ageing.Experts say there are underlying medical conditions for dementia.It is believed dementia can be reversed with treatment before it gets worse.People with dementia become totally dependent on others for their care.They may be conscious ,but will have short term and long term memory loss.In a country like India ,where family ties still carry some degree of hallow, dementia will have a negative impact on relationships and quality of life of a person.

 

The Dementia India Report 2010 says " In 2010, there are 3.7 million Indians with dementia and the total societal costs is about14,700 crore . While the numbers are expected to double by 2030,costs would increase three times . Families are the main carers and they need support " .The Dementia India report calls for a National dementia strategy.This will be a huge challenge posed to the health care sector.The report also says our helath professionals must be trained to treat dementia and depression,two major health problems of the aged.

The elderly care is the best in Sweden.The older people represent a majority in Sweeden's population.Most of them are active and lead a healthy life and live in their own homes.Sweeden invests a sizeable portion of its GDP on its elderly people in comparison to all the nations in the world.Sweeden has the largest proportion of people aged 80 plus.Only 4 % of the total cost of the elderly care in Sweden is borne by the patients.The elderly care is taken care by muncipalities in Sweeden. Most muncipalities have contracted out their elderly care to Public or Private operators.The elderly have the option to choose the public or private operator.Older people who continue to live at home can obtain various kinds of support to make life easier. Almost all municipalities in Sweden offer ready-cooked meals to the homes of the elderly and disabled.Most  municipalities also provide communal meals for the elderly at special day centers. A few organize small groups of the elderly into teams that cook their own meals.When an older person is not able to cope with the demands of everyday life,they can apply for assistance from the municipal home-help services. The extent of such care is subject to assessment. Older people with disabilities can obtain assistance around the clock, and remain at their home throughout their lives. The elderly and disabled also qualify for transportation services in taxis or specially adapted vehicles. When planning housing and housing areas, Swedish municipalities are required to ensure that they are adapted to the needs of older people and people with disabilities.Older people with disabilities can apply to their local municipality for home adaptation grants, the aim being to enable them to continue to live there. The municipality pays the entire cost if the grant is approved, regardless of the financial status of the applicant.(Courtsey www.sweden.se.)
What can the younger generation do to make the elderly a happy lot ?.A lonely forlorn person can never make new friends ,sitting at home most of the time.Someone willing to listen to them can go a long way in making them understand they still mean something to someone.When coping with aging they should be apprised of the ways to approach the situation with postive attitude.It is estimated Rs 10,000 crores may be required in India to take care of all dementia patients.This number will triple by 2020.Currently only 10 % of the patients are diagonised and treated.Our policy makers are busy in protecting themselves from institutions that would probe their corrupt deals .They are trying to find newer avenues to loot the nation .They must realise a good nation takes care of their elderly population and their soldiers.