According to the ‘India Ageing Report 2023’ jointly published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), India’s elderly population is projected to account for 1/5 of its total population by 2050. By the end of the century, the elderly will outnumber children aged zero to 14 years. Four years before 2050, the elderly population in India is expected to surpass the number of children aged 0-14 years. Also, the population share of persons aged 15-59 years will decline. The demographic shift towards an ageing society in India highlights the urgent need to prioritise the well-being of the elderly amid a growing population, shared GP Bhagat, Founder, SHEOWS.
As members of society, we can contribute to the well-being of our elders by actively providing help and support. This may include volunteer initiatives or engaging in group activities that facilitate communication and interaction with them. Additionally, we can advocate for more compassion and care towards the elderly in both our homes and communities by promoting awareness and education on the importance of respectful behavior and support for the elderly.
The physical, mental and emotional well-being of the elderly must be taken care of. But how can we support them and do a better job, both as people and in our society:
Physical health: the foundation of well-being
Good physical health is essential to stay fit and healthy in old age. Regular exercise such as walking or swimming greatly benefits the elderly, improving mobility, balance and mood as well as reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The elderly need a balanced diet to avoid malnutrition and a number of health problems. A balanced diet should include green leafy vegetables, fruits, protein sources, whole grains, etc. In terms of nutrition, regular health checkups and preventive checkups are followed for overall health.
Boosting mental acuity: Exercising the brain
Mental stimulation helps prevent various cognitive health issues like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other mental health disorders. Elderly people should engage in activities that require the brain like playing board games – chess, ludo, puzzles, crosswords, or learning a new skill like painting, reading, or playing a musical instrument, etc. This helps boost brain activity and helps release happiness hormones in the body leading to overall development of brain and body function.
Nurturing emotional well-being: Building resilience
Emotional health is a top priority for the overall health and satisfaction of the elderly. Maintaining bonds and relationships with family, friends and loved ones becomes even more important as we age. As age increases, emotional needs and dependencies in life increase, we need our loved ones or someone we can rely on to support us in our old age.
Old age homes serve as a valuable asset to society, providing dedicated care and support to the elderly, ensuring their overall well-being, and maintaining their dignity within the community. They take care of their well-being and engage them in activities and people to create a safe space or environment for them to communicate and interact with each other to avoid mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or grief. Whether through therapy, support groups, or by talking with trusted individuals, acknowledging and addressing emotional needs is important to maintain a positive outlook on life not only for the elderly but for all age groups in general.
Supporting the physical health, mental acuity, and emotional well-being of the elderly is essential to promote a fulfilling and vibrant life in old age. By prioritizing regular exercise, mental stimulation, social connections, and emotional support, seniors can embrace aging with grace and vibrancy. Let us continue to empower and uplift our seniors, ensuring they live their older years to the fullest.
