Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 4: Elaborating the evolution and need of quality healthcare for elderly population, Dr. Sushil Sharma, HoD Cardiology GMC & SSH Jammu today delivered an informative talk on various problems and precautions necessary for this vulnerable lot. The awareness lecture was organized by Hari Prabhu Sanstha and attended by prominent members of civil society.
The awareness lecture was preceded by ‘Saraswati Vandana’ and lighting of the lamp by Chander Mohan Gupta (Mayor, JMC).
At the outset, Dr. Sushil pointed out that though health promotion is meant for the entire population, if a specific group within a population is singled out as the recipient of health promotion interventions, it is because of a valid reason, such as epidemiological concerns or preferences in social policy viz., measures targeting vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. This explains the focus of many health promotion activities on children, women, refugees and workers in certain industries or occupations.
“The need to promote health among elderly people got attention of health and policy professionals during late 90s. Prior to it, it was assumed that the older generations were not a good target for health promotion as it was thought it was too late to change their lifestyle. Requiring the elderly to completely change their diet and start exercising was seen as disturbing to their peace and wellness. Therefore, it was only after 2001, when WHO experts unanimously indicated the importance of a healthy lifestyle at every stage of life, health promotion measures targeted to the elderly started to grow in numbers. Studies reveal that exercising, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, participating in learning activities and integrating in the community can help to inhibit the development of many diseases and prevent the loss of functional capacity, thus improving quality of life and lengthening life expectancy. The prevalence of certain lifestyle issues is also higher among the elderly. That is why health promotion programs for older people in international jurisdictions are mainly implemented at the local level by primary health care providers and nurses, and by NGOs, self-governing public authorities and voluntary organizations”, Dr Sharma said.
The awareness talk was followed by an interactive session where numerous queries were raised by the elderly population regarding various myths and misconceptions about cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Sushil listened them very patiently and sensitize the people.
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