On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, a study by AIIMS has reported an alarming rise of elderly people in India in another two and half decades.
AIIMS Medical Superintendent Dr Nirupam Madaan on Wednesday noted that currently, India has 14.9 crore (149 million) people above the age of 60. “While the elderly already constitute over 10 percent of the population, only about 1 percent of hospital beds are allocated for them. There is an urgent need to expand resources in this direction. Preparations must begin now,” Madaan said.
“This is expected to rise to 34.7 crore (347 million) by 2050, and 55 crore (550 million) — ie, 36 percent of the total population — by the year 2100,” she said.
On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of India, said that just as a tree gains strength from strong roots, society will be stronger only when we support our elders — who are the roots of our families and communities.
The greatest strength they can receive is emotional support from their families and communities, she said.
“While the Government has programs for senior citizens, stakeholders must also come forward,” Dr Sharma shared these thoughts during a program held at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital in Delhi.
At the event, organised under the theme “Pearls of Wisdom: Stories That Shape Us from Seniors,” 95-year-old Dr Sneh Bhargava — AIIMS’s first and only female director — 93-year-old gynecologist Dr VL Bhargava, and 82-year-old renowned cardiologist Dr Hemlata Tiwari were honored with the title of Smart Seniors. Each of them shared their insights and experiences. Madaan spoke in detail about the challenges faced by the elderly, their present-day needs, their importance in society, the requirement for improved infrastructure, essential changes, and financial security.
A study conducted by the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research found that after the age of 60, many seniors experience muscle pain, higher risk of falls, weakness, depression, memory loss, and greater risk of bone deterioration. “Early care can significantly prevent such conditions,” said Dr Harjit Singh Bhatti, Consultant in the Geriatric Medicine Department of the hospital, and further Stated that there are some essential vaccines for the elderly — both routine and seasonal — that should definitely be taken after age 60 on medical advice.
“These vaccines can protect against many age-related illnesses. Five vaccines are particularly crucial: one dose of the pneumonia vaccine after 60, annual influenza shots, two doses of the herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine once, the TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine every 10 years, and three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine once every 10 years — all of which can help prevent various diseases,” he added.
Additionally, Dr Bhatti recommended brain exercises such as puzzle games and Sudoku to help prevent dementia, which should be practiced daily in this stage of life. Families must also ensure that seniors are protected from anything that may cause them to fall. Their diet should include Vitamin B12, calcium, Vitamin D, and at least 25 grams of protein in every meal.
Beyond the general concerns of aging shared by men and women, senior women face additional unique health challenges. Dr Reva Tripathi, Senior Consultant and Obstetrician-Gynecologist at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital, stressed the importance of family awareness regarding gynecological malignancies and advised that essential tests be conducted annually on medical advice.