European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ELDERLY IN INDIA: STATUS AND CONCERNS

Dr. Dalvinder Singh* and Rana Noor

ABSTRACT

Ageing is inevitable, irreversible and progressive, and it‟s always accompanied with changes in the functions of most organs and leads to development of various chronic diseases. Advances in medicine have increased life expectancy, leading to an increase in geriatric population worldwide, and their proportion will only continue to rise in the coming years. The ageing of population is expected to become the next major problem for public health. Elderly people are an integral component of every nation that, like any other section, owes respect and attention. However, due to a changing family structure and modernisation, the elderly face the inevitable challenges of living their lives in a respectful manner. The most dangerous situations for older people include depression, loneliness, neglect, age-related diseases and inadequate treatment. Sadly, the abusers are members of their families on whom they depend upon the maximum. This paper focuses primarily on elderly people's problems and quality of life in India. It should be remembered that improving the quality of life of the elderly requires a holistic approach and a concerted effort on the part of the various stakeholders, such as government and health sectors, family and care givers etc.

Keywords: Geriatric care, India, elderly, ageing, challenges.