VP Naidu stresses on adding Geriatric Departments in all medical colleges

New Delhi: Releasing the book -'Health and Well Being in Late Life: Perspectives and Narratives from India' written by Dr Prasun Chatterjee, Professor of Geriatric Medicine at AIIMS, the Vice president of India stressed on the need for bringing in more Geriatric medicine departments in the medical colleges across the country.

"Today, the world is ageing as a result of the unprecedented success of the medical science, adding almost 20-30 years of life expectancy to humans as compared to the last millennium. I am told that by end of this year (2019), the number of older adults aged 65 and above would be more than the children aged five years or less for the first time in the history of mankind on this planet" he said

" India is ageing much faster than previously thought and expected to have nearly 20 per cent population of the world's 60 years and above by 2050 with the largest number of older adults in the world," he added

In this light he stressed on adding Geriatric Department at Medical Colleges.

" I am told that six medical colleges, at present, are imparting the special skill to the doctors to cater to geriatric population. I feel that there is an urgent need to set up more Geriatric Departments in medical colleges across the country in view of the increasing population of the elderly," he said.

He urged immediate family members of the elderly and community at large to accord the highest priority to their care and well-being. He added that strengthening the family system is the need of the hour.

"As the Indian family system and values are the USP of Indian civilization, we must go back to the Indian family system, values, culture, and traditions. Respect for parents, Guru, and nature is ingrained in the Indian philosophy. We must work towards societal and attitudinal change towards the elderly," said Naidu expressing his concern over abuse and abandonment of the elderly people.

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring 2020 to 2030 as the 'Decade of Healthy Ageing', Naidu expects Institutes like AIIMS to be in the forefront in promoting healthy ageing, he said.

"The National Centre for Ageing at AIIMS, a state of art 200-bedded exclusive geriatric care centre, will be functional by next year. Apart from providing an international standard of care, it will also undertake cutting-edge research on ageing," Naidu added.

Talking about the book, he said that it discusses preparedness for an aging individual as well as the society in the Indian context. Apart from highlighting the health issues like depression and dementia, Shri Naidu said that the book provides a detailed analysis of solutions that are practicable in low resource settings.

The President of IGNCA, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Director, AIIMS, Dr. Randeep Guleria, Head of Department of Geriatric Medicine, AIIMS, Dr. A. B. Dey, the Managing Director of Springer Nature, Shri Sanjiv Goswami and others were present.

Professor Dr Chatterjee, author of the book--'Health and Well Being in Late Life: Perspectives and Narratives from India' told ANI: "This book provides a holistic understanding of late old age, and situates the aged person within the context of family, caregivers, clinical and other institutions. I have discussed the preparedness for ageing through the life course perspective as well as the society in the Indian context."

Health issues like depression, dementia, etc are highlighted with detailed analysis of the solutions that are practicable in low resource settings, he said.

"I tried to use narratives of elderly patients which makes it relatable and interesting to even non-academic readers. People will also find hope on witnessing a beautiful relationship between an 80-year-old senile mother and her 45-year-old divorced daughter who is dedicated to cure and care for her mother from this difficult expression of ageing," Dr Chatterjee added.

At the same time, readers would be delighted to read inspiring stories of the spirit of unsung heroes who despite difficulties are making most of their lives and actively participating in the society, Dr Chatterjee added.

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