Sedentary lifestyles affecting health of India's elderly

The World Health Organisation says nearly eight per cent of the Southeast Asian population, including India's, is above the age of 60.

"Anxiety, social security, loneliness are some problems increasingly affecting the elderly. Other than this, in India's respect, it is the non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart diseases that surround old age," J.S. Thakur, national professional officer, non-communicable diseases and social determinants of health, at the WHO-India country office, told IANS.

India's health ministry's national programme for healthcare for the elderly (NPHCE) plans to set up eight geriatric care centres across the country.

Geriatric units will also be opened at 100 district hospitals in 21 states, and units will also be created at community and primary health centres. Development of manpower for this is among the highlights of the plan.

"Major focus will be on dedicated healthcare for elderly. Integrating psycho-social problems with non-communicable diseases of the older people will help in giving focussed care services," Thakur added.