Dr.K.Veeramani
Ageing is a natural process but learning to age gracefully makes our life lovable. I compiled much from eminent senior medical practitioners and wish to share a few tit-bits with my readers.
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Old age does not begin suddenly at any stage in our life. Ageing begins in youth itself. Like Middle Age in history, we too reach Middle Age when every part of our body grows tired and body cells gradually become weak. Age is of three kinds – chronological age, biological age and psychological age.
Chronological age is calculated from our birth and the number of days we live since then. Biological age depends on the condition of our body, health and life style. A 35 year old man may appear like a 50 year old man because of malfunctioning of various parts of his body and defective defense mechanism in them. Some men may be even 90 year old but active like a 30 year old man because of their inner harmony, iron-will and ‘never-say-die’ spirit. This is called psychological age.
Ageing differs from one person to another. Comparisons are all really odd. Loss of hair and graying of hair could be due to various factors even when we are young. Inferiority complex is to be avoided. We become an elderly person first, then grow old and at last become aged. Nature takes its own course which is inevitable.
One should learn to feel young at all times and welcome the natural process of ageing without fear and self-pity. As we grow older, we must be careful about six ailments – 1) dementia 2) Parkinson’s disease 3) urinary incontinence 4) frequent fall 5) loss of bone – density 6) prostate diseases. Low blood pressure, high blood pressure, diabetes and vertigo need timely check up and necessary treatment without delay. The most important habit while ageing is walking which is advised by all the medical experts.
Today bio-medical studies have spread far and wide. Scan facilities are available.
Technological advancement is amazing in medical world. Ageing men and women should make use of all these. Blood test, E.C.G. test and urine test are essential at every stage in life. Complete medical checkup is necessary Life Insurance and various other medical insurance schemes would help at all times.
Youngsters must be kind, caring and affectionate towards the aged. If they neglect and shun aged parents – today, they may be ignored tomorrow in turn by their children. Aged people should also avoid egotism and co-operate with youngsters. In brief, let us realize that old age is not a pressure – but pleasure, if we learn to feel young.
Translated by : M. R. Manohar
