Healthcare Challenges and Disability Prevention for the Elderly.

On 18 Oct 2024, Our Co-Founder and Managing Trustee Rajasekaran  gave his address on Healthcare Challenges and Disability Prevention for the Elderly  at the Technical session of the National Conference on Rights of Older Persons.

In this Technical session on Evaluating the Healthcare Scenario, Rajasekaran spoke about Healthcare Challenges and Key Opportunities for Disability Prevention for the Elderly.

 

India’s elderly population has spent their lives contributing to the building of our nation. As they age, it becomes our collective responsibility to ensure that they spend their later years with dignity, security, and good health.

So, what can we do to make this a reality? Let me share some key opportunities for preventive healthcare that we can implement:

First, consistent fitness programs. Regular exercise in parks, gyms, or other public spaces is essential for maintaining physical health in the elderly. This not only improves mobility but also helps in preventing common age-related disabilities. Simple and accessible fitness programs can have a profound impact on their well-being.

Next, we must organize comprehensive geriatric health assessment camps at the neighborhood level. These camps can help in the early detection of potential health issues, allowing us to intervene before they become serious. Preventive health assessments are key to reducing long-term healthcare costs and ensuring our elderly receive the care they need at the right time.

Access to nutritious food is another critical area. By creating neighborhood community kitchens, we can ensure that the elderly have access to balanced, nutritious meals. Proper nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining health, and it can help prevent the onset of many age-related diseases.

We must also focus on caregiver support programs. Caregivers are the backbone of eldercare, and by providing them with proper training and emotional support, we ensure that they can offer the best possible care to our elderly loved ones. Their role is vital, and we need to support them at every step.

Finally, emergency support systems. In moments of crisis, time is of the essence. We need local area triage and emergency response teams that are equipped to respond swiftly to medical emergencies. This will give our elderly the immediate care they require in critical situations, potentially saving lives.

Together, we have the power to make a significant difference. Let us join hands to ensure that our elders live their later years in happiness and health.

Let’s work towards making “Happy Elderhood” not just a dream, but a reality.

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