There can be little doubt that happy and healthy aging is a shared universal aspiration. But only a few get to experience that. The culprit? Chronic diseases and its impacts on an elderly’s daily life. The evolution of affordable eldercare services in India has made possible long-term ailments, including constant care and monitoring, even at home.
A survey found that one in two people above 60 years of age suffers from some chronic disease. And more than two-thirds of deaths are due to chronic diseases in India. Following are the most prevalent chronic health conditions among the elderly:
Heart Disease
The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) or heart disease is high in India, even among people who are older than 45 years. It can refer to heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and heart valve problems. The cardiovascular disease (CVD) death rate is 272 per 1,00,000 in India—significantly higher than the global average of 235. Key risk factors are:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Unhealthy diet
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Inactivity
- Stress
- A history of heart disease in the family.
For those living alone, live-in care approach by eldercare services in India can help improve patient recovery at the comfort of their home.
Cancer
More than 20 lakh deaths due to cancer were reported in India between 2018 and 2020. The most common forms found in India are breast cancer, cervical cancer, and oral cancer. Risk factors include an aging population, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, alcohol, unhealthy diet, and air pollution. Since the elderly have different needs, oncology with emphasis on geriatric care can be considered specific expertise within clinical oncology.
Stroke
Stroke is the third major cause of death in India and a cause of long-term disability. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent brain damage or death. Hypertension is the most common risk factor for stroke in all age groups and genders. A stroke does not give prior warnings. Being aware of its warning symptoms (e.g. face drooping, arm and leg weakness, speech difficulty) is important.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
50% of people aged 45 years and above have abnormal lung function. Such lung or respiratory disorders usually develop from mid-life onwards. Rapid urbanization and its associated high level of ambient air pollution trigger COPD cases in India. There is no cure for COPD but early diagnosis and treatment may slow down the progression.
Diabetes
High blood pressure and diabetes account for about 68% of all chronic diseases. The prevalence of diabetes is more common among the urban elderly. Lifestyle choices, improper diet, obesity, and stress have elevated the Type 2 diabetic progression. The long-term effects can disrupt the functioning of the heart, brain, and kidney and complicate other health conditions—heart disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and hypertension.
Most of the chronic diseases can be prevented to a great extent by:
- Healthy diet. Eating healthy helps prevent, delay, and manage heart disease, particularly type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases
- Physical exercise, be it yoga, regular walks…
- Avoid smoking and excess intake of alcohol
- Proper Sleep
- Periodic check-ups
Chronic conditions need special care and attention. senOcare’s personalized eldercare services in India provide round-the-clock assistance and care at home, at every stage of disease progression. Call us today at +91 8800 700 100 or email us at [email protected] for more details.
