Editor Speaks

International Day of Older Person is 1st October. This day is observed as holiday in some countries at times in different names like National Grand Parents Day (USA, Canada). It may be mentioned that ageing starts before our birth and even before fertilization when primordial germ cell in gonad of genetic female. Ageing is a physiological process and not a disease. Elderly persons can be divided into four categories: Aged 60-65 years, Old 65+ years, Very Old 75-90 years and Centenarian 100+ years.

It is true, effects of ageing are inevitable but it is usually insufficient to interfere with the function of an organ under baseline conditions. Multiple pathology is common in old age. Skin loses elasticity.  A decline in number of sweat glands makes it difficult to regulate temperature in warm weather so there occurs high incidence of cardiac events in hot weather. There is also diffuse loss of hair and depigmentation and reduction elasticity in lungs causing increasing physiological dead space with decline in oxygen consumption.

Increase in the rigidity of large arteries rises systolic blood pressure and due to impaired autonomic function there is fall of blood pressure from supine to erect posture. There is also decline in tissue sensitivity to insulin. There are so many other changes and one day we all will grow old and face this situation. We should remember that healthy older persons are a resource for their families. The elderly had lived a life full of energy working hard raising families and supporting children with deep sense of commitment. The nation should take full care of them.

 

Editor Speaks

International Day of Older Person is 1st October. This day is observed as holiday in some countries at times in different names like National Grand Parents Day (USA, Canada). It may be mentioned that ageing starts before our birth and even before fertilization when primordial germ cell in gonad of genetic female. Ageing is a physiological process and not a disease. Elderly persons can be divided into four categories: Aged 60-65 years, Old 65+ years, Very Old 75-90 years and Centenarian 100+ years. It is true, effects of ageing are inevitable but it is usually insufficient to interfere with the function of an organ under baseline conditions. Multiple pathology is common in old age. Skin loses elasticity. A decline in number of sweat glands makes it difficult to regulate temperature in warm weather so there occurs high incidence of cardiac events in hot weather. There is also diffuse loss of hair and depigmentation and reduction elasticity in lungs causing increasing physiological dead space with decline in oxygen consumption. Increase in the rigidity of large arteries rises systolic blood pressure and due to impaired autonomic function there is fall of blood pressure from supine to erect posture. There is also decline in tissue sensitivity to insulin. There are so many other changes and one day we all will grow old and face this situation. We should remember that healthy older persons are a resource for their families. The elderly had lived a life full of energy working hard raising families and supporting children with deep sense of commitment. The nation should take full care of them.