The old should be treated better

What are the common problems that affect the aged? You can easily name a few and surely they will include respiratory diseases, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, heart diseases, Parkinson’s disease etc. Added to this are the depression, dementia and psychological problems that usually affect the elderly. ``We are living in an age of increased life expectancy; various societies across the world have started to deal with the problem of longevity. Various governments across many countries came up with plans and strategies to ensure the wellbeing of the aged,’’ says Shiv Ram, a psychologist in Karnataka. India too has come up with some such rules and is mulling over introducing a few more.

The aged deserve a comfortable life and a better facility for treating his/her illness, feels Sajitha, a social worker. ``Nowadays, medical treatment is very costly and old age is sure to bring in a lot of diseases, which need care and proper treatment. Hence, it becomes more difficult for the aged to seek quality treatments. It is high time that the government should intervene to ensure treatment at lower rates for the aged,’’ she says.

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, employs various therapies exclusively for the aged. These treatments enhance the immunity of their body apart from providing a rejuvenating feeling. But nowadays ayurvedic packages too have become so expensive in some resorts and hospitals that the common man cannot avail them, says Sajitha. These packages should be offered to the old at a cheaper rate, she feels. If the government takes steps to ensure the health of the elderly, such a move will surely have a positive impact on the general health scenario of the society