10/08/2025
*Old is Gold: 360° Care for the Elderly – Ensuring Mobility, Dignity, and Longevity*
An Indian Perspective
🔶 Introduction
Aging is a natural process, but aging gracefully is a social responsibility. In Indian culture, elders have always been revered as the “custodians of wisdom and tradition.” Yet, the modern socio-economic structure poses new challenges for elderly care. The concept of "Old is Gold" is more than a saying—it is a call to action to ensure that senior citizens receive comprehensive, respectful, and proactive care.
🔶 Why 360° Care is the Need of the Hour?
A 360-degree approach focuses not just on treating illnesses but also on:
🦴 Physical mobility
💓 Emotional and mental well-being
🏠 Social security and dignity
🩺 Preventive health care
👥 Family and community integration
🔶 1. Ensuring Mobility: The Foundation of Independence
Mobility is often the first casualty of aging. Arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures, and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s or stroke can severely limit movement.
Solutions:
Regular bone health checkups (DEXA scan, calcium/vitamin D screening)
Use of mobility aids (walkers, customized footwear, wheelchairs)
Access to orthopedic and physiotherapy services
Fall prevention strategies at home
Inclusive public infrastructure (ramps, railings, elevators)
🔶 2. Restoring Dignity: Beyond Medical Care
Dignity involves autonomy, respect, and participation in family and society. Sadly, many elders in India suffer silent neglect, loneliness, or even abuse.
Strategies for restoring dignity:
Creating senior-friendly legal protections (e.g., Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act)
Promoting intergenerational bonding in families
Celebrating seniors through cultural events, community honours, and skill-sharing
Setting up geriatric counseling centers and helplines
🔶 3. Promoting Longevity: The Role of Preventive Geriatric Care
Living longer should not mean living with suffering. Geriatric medicine emphasizes healthy aging and preventive care.
Essential measures:
Regular screening for blood pressure, diabetes, lipid profile, vision, and hearing
Immunization (flu, pneumococcal, COVID boosters)
Mental health support (dementia care, depression treatment)
Diet and lifestyle counseling
Polypharmacy management (avoiding unnecessary multiple medicines)
🔶 4. Social and Economic Security: The Silent Pillars
In India, many elderly are financially dependent, especially women. This increases vulnerability.
Support systems:
Expansion of government schemes like IGNOAPS (Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme)
Subsidized health insurance under Ayushman Bharat
Day-care and old-age homes with dignity, not charity
Access to digital literacy to bridge the tech divide
🔶 5. Geriatric-Friendly Infrastructure: Building a Nation for All Ages
India’s urban and rural planning must evolve to support aging populations.
Suggestions:
Age-friendly cities and public transport
Geriatric wards in every district hospital
Training frontline workers in elder care (ASHAs, ANMs)
Promoting telemedicine access for immobile elders
🔶 6. Role of Family, Society, and Government
Family is the first line of care. Emotional support, shared time, and empathy go a long way.
Society must embrace inclusive values—community centers, spiritual spaces, and recreational clubs for seniors.
Government must implement and monitor policies with empathy, not just paperwork.
🔶 Finally
“Old is Gold” is not merely a sentiment but a societal responsibility. With the population of elderly expected to double in India by 2050, we must act today. A 360° care model for the elderly that ensures mobility, dignity, and longevity is essential—not only to honor our elders but to secure our own future.
Let us build an India where aging is not feared but cherished, where every wrinkle tells a story, and every step taken in old age is supported with care, love, and pride.
Dr Nithin Sunku - Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Nithin Sunku Global Hospital and Research Centre RMM Global Hospital & Trauma Center - GHTC Global Hospital Institute of Ophthalmology, abu road
