Screening for memory impairment
Ageing starts before birth. The process that causes ageing begins even before we are born and continues throughout our lives. This happens because of damage to our genetic material and the build-up of byproducts from metabolism. Ageing becomes more noticeable as we get older. Our mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle and early interventions to ensure everyone can live a life without disabilities in their later years.
By 2030, the World Health Organization(WHO) estimates that about 20% of India's population will be 60 years or older. This significant increase reflects a broader trend of rapid aging in the Indian population. In response to this global change, the United Nations has declared the current decade (2021-2030) as the Decade of Healthy Ageing
According to the most recent estimates from the World Health Organization, the life expectancy of a 60-yearold person in India is about 19 more years, meaning they are expected to live until around 79. However, WHO also estimates that the last 5 of these years will involve significant ill health and disabilities. This situation will likely strain caregivers and the health care system that is not equipped to handle this crisis.
India faces a significant shortage of care providers, partly because many professionals seek better opportunities in developed countries, which also experience similar resource strains due to aging populations. This situation causes a considerable drain on our resources. Given the socioeconomic conditions in Kerala, this problem could worsen in the near future.
Reducing the number of years spent in disability is the most practical and effective short-term solution. By working together, we can help add more productive and burden-free years to the lives of older adults. #AddingLifeToYears
By creating carefully tailored, person-centered care plans and evaluations, we can predict timely interventions and remedial measures using our expertise in this area with measurable outcome metrics. This approach can provide you with disability-free years at home with your loved ones.
Person-centered care addresses individuals' health and social care needs holistically, rather than focusing solely on isolated health conditions or symptoms, as is common in our existing systems. It is important to remember that by the time signs or symptoms appear, it is often already too late for many illnesses affecting older people. Our approach also considers the context of individuals' daily lives, including the impact of their health and needs on those close to them and their communities.
Following the recommendations of Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) from the World Health Organization (WHO) and similar agencies such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), our efforts will focus on five key areas for early detection in every individual:
In addition to these standard recommendations, screenings for nutritional inadequacies,thinning of bones(osteoporosis),age appropriate cancer screening etc are also part of our program.
Overall, we follow the strategy outlined in the flow diagram below. Additionally, in line with WHO guidelines, we strive to raise awareness of ageism, especially in healthcare settings, as it has been shown to adversely affect the mental health of the elderly. Alarmingly, the prevalence of negative attitudes towards the elderly is one of the highest in India, with WHO estimating it at 79.5%.
Our care model relies on well-trained healthcare coordinators who implement community-centered programs to address the problems mentioned above. These coordinators use available resources, including volunteers, to ensure the care plans are carried out effectively. We also collaborate with the existing healthcare systems, tailoring our approach to meet each individual's goals and financial abilities.
Our expertise in medical and elderly care allows us to provide effective solutions within the limitations of the Indian healthcare system. By combining community resources with personalized care plans, we aim to deliver comprehensive and sustainable care for older adults at affordable costs.
In India, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are a growing public health concern. Current estimates indicate that about 3.8 million people in India were living with dementia in 2019, with this number expected to rise to 11.4 million by 2050, representing a 197% increase (Fogarty International Center) (Stride Dementia) . The prevalence of dementia in India among adults aged 60 and older is estimated to be 7.4%, which is higher than previously reported figures. Several factors contribute to this rise, including the aging population, increasing life expectancy, and various socioeconomic and health-related issues. Though there are no effective treatments currently available, addressing and treating risk factors such as mid-life hearing loss, hypertension, obesity, and later-life smoking, depression, physical inactivity, social isolation, and diabetes may potentially delay or prevent up to 41% of dementia cases in the country. There are numerous intervention points that are often missed due to the absence of personalized care plans. As in many areas of medicine, prevention is the best strategy, yet it is frequently overlooked. It is crucial to recognize that symptoms can often go unnoticed until it is too late for effective intervention. A personalized care plan is essential to ensure early detection and timely intervention. This is where we can make a significant difference by identifying reversible issues such as hearing loss,depression,social isolation etc. and providing specific interventions to address them.
Falls are a significant problem for the elderly, particularly as they age. Although precise statistics for India are not readily available, it is estimated that about 3.6% of elderly adults suffer from fall-related injuries each year. Studies also indicate that when an elderly person in India falls, there is a 65.6% chance of sustaining serious injuries that require hospitalization and prolonged recovery. Due to limited rehabilitation facilities, many individuals do not return to their previous level of functioning. This can lead to subsequent falls and further impairments.
However, like memory loss, the tendency to fall can be identified early and potentially corrected through costeffective measures. Home physical therapy, correction of hearing and vision problems, environmental modifications, and the use of supportive devices can all help reduce the risk of falls and improve outcomes for the elderly.
Certainly, home care agencies and old age homes play a crucial role in caring for older adults, particularly those with advanced conditions. However, caregiving for an older adult can be extremely challenging, leading to high turnover and dissatisfaction among workers. Additionally, some agencies may not always act in the best interest of your loved ones. The high costs associated with these services are due to the demanding nature of the work and a shortage of qualified caregivers.
Without proper planning, you may incur significant expenses and risk the well-being of your loved ones. Our organization, on the other hand, focuses on early detection and specific interventions to prevent or delay health decline. While some cases may be appropriate for home health agencies, we can always intervene for a better outcome by identifying and addressing potentially reversible conditions.
Life After Fifties Foundation