New Delhi, February 5 (IANS). Aging is not a disease, but a natural and respectable stage of life. Just as childhood and youth have their own needs, old age also has its own special needs and challenges.
Often we consider fatigue, weakness, loss of memory or difficulty in walking as a disease, whereas the truth is that these are normal changes occurring gradually in the body. If given proper care, understanding and love in time, the elderly can also live a healthy, active and happy life.
In old age, the most needed is mental peace and emotional support. At this age, a person quickly starts feeling loneliness, neglect and insecurity. Sitting and talking with family, listening to their experiences and giving them respect strengthens the minds of the elderly. When the mind is happy the body also works better. Problems like stress, anxiety and depression reduce and sleep and appetite also improve.
Talking about physical health, there is no need for heavy work or strenuous exercise in old age. Daily light walking, yoga, pranayam and a little stretching are enough to keep the body fit. Proper and balanced food is very important. Freshly prepared food, green vegetables, fruits, milk and adequate water provide essential nutrition to the body. Too much fried, spicy and outside food can cause harm, so it should be avoided.
Even small care done at home can make the life of the elderly easier. For example, massaging the feet with oil at night helps in getting better sleep, bathing with lukewarm water reduces joint pain and giving rest to the eyes reduces vision problems. Cleaning teeth and mouth, taking regular bath and wearing clean clothes is important not only for health but also for self-confidence.
Regular health checkups are very important in old age. Major diseases can be avoided by getting blood pressure, sugar, eyes, ears and bones checked from time to time. It is equally important to take the medicine at the right time and follow the doctor’s advice. Also, the elderly should be kept involved in small tasks as per their capacity so that they do not feel useless or a burden.
–IANS
PIM/AS