HOMEOPATHY IS BOON FOR HEALTH IN OLD AGE 

Hyderabad:
Dr.G.Durgaprasad Rao
Senior Homeopath ,
Geriatric Speciality consultant ,ICRH Speciality clinics , HMAT ,
Hyderabad.

As Shakespeare said , ” old age or +60 age is when a person starts declining physically, mentally , socially and the journey that a person reaches this stage is known as ageing ”

Ageing is not a disease ! Health in old age is often associated with the decline of physical, mental, biomedical, behavioral systems and abilities due to various changes in the organ system, making people susceptible to various diseases and conditions.

OLD AGE IN MEN & WOMEN
Specific changes occur in men and women at the age of 50. In women, menopause causes changes in breast tissue, bladder and urethra. The risk of osteoporosis increases due to the decrease in estrogen hormone levels. Women also gain weight. Men may experience male syndrome (andropause) from their mid-40s to mid- 60s as their testosterone levels drops. These changes can lead to a decrease in the levels of libido, muscle body mass and bone strength in some males. Other changes include increased memory loss, insomnia and irritability.

During aging, the body’s immune system undergoes many changes due to various factors. Hormonal imbalances, changes in dietary habits, lifestyle changes and underlying medical conditions are among the factors that are observed in many aging health conditions.

_According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 73% of the elderly aged 60 to 69 years are suffering from multiple health conditions._

Another important thing is that many hospitals in our country do not have a speciality for the elderly. Medical services are available to the elderly in the general medicine & in other specialties. ‘ Geriatric Specialties ‘ are needed to provide quality medical care by paying special attention to the elderly. Counseling and rehabilitation arrangements are needed for their health problems.

Common age-related health problems in the elderly

Heart diseases: Heart failure, heart attack, coronary artery disease, high B. P., high cholesterol , smoking and sedentary lifestyle increase the risks.
Neurological :Cognitive disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, paralysis, stroke, vertigo, and memory problems are caused by nerve weakness.
Dementia:
Decline in cognitive function, including memory and thinking skills. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of mental disorder.

These conditions can lead to increased disability, decreased functional capacity and even higher mortality rates.

Depression:
Depression is a significant public health concern among the elderly in India.Its prevalence rates in various studies range from 34% to 67.5%. Factors such as social isolation, financial insecurity and physical health problems contribute to depression in the elderly. Furthermore, depression in the elderly is often underdiagnosed and delayed due to misconceptions about aging and mental health which leads to inadequate treatment.
Prostate problems
The prostate gland is a reproductive organ in the male body. When the prostate gland enlarges, it blocks the flow of urine through the bladder. The bladder begins to contract forcefully, causing the need to urinate frequently. A slow or weak urine stream, frequent urination especially at night are trouble shooting.
Joint problems
Muscular or degenerative disorders can lead to the wear and tear of bone cartilage. Over time, this condition can cause joint swelling or other orthopedic disorders such as arthritis, gout and osteoporosis.Osteoporosis is a condition where there is a significant decrease in bone mass or density with age. This makes the bones brittle and weak, making them more prone to fractures. As the bones rub against each other during old age, the cartilage in the joints begins to wear down, causing inflammation and pain in the joints due to insdequate calcium & vit.D
*Urinary incontinence
Weak pelvic floor muscles in old age can lead to urine leakage when pressure inside the abdomen increases. For example, when coughing , sneezing , laughing and lifting heavy objects.This condition is more common in women than men. Overactive or weak bladder muscles, nerve damage, pregnancy and menopause are some of the main factors that cause urinary incontinence in women.
Sciatica
This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed by bone spurs on the vertebrae or a herniated disc in the spine. It starts in the lower back along the sciatic nerve and is accompanied by pain on one side of the leg or hip

Other disorders include …*Diabetes , cancer , COPD , CKD (kidney failure), hearing impairment , vision impairment etc.*

Healthy aging:
Adopting healthy habits such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet and social engagement can help your age healthily and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.

_It is advisable to consult a doctor regularly for early detection and improvement of age-related health problems._

HOMEOPATHY FOR OLD AGE PROBLEMS
Along with a healthy lifestyle, homeopathic medicines help in reducing age-related health problems, as the elderly are alert and physically fit, which increases their desire to live longer and enjoy a happier life.Homeopathic treatment depends on the symptoms and severity of the condition.

Homeopathy is a holistic medical system that treats a man as a whole according to the individual considering the emotional, intellectual, spiritual and physical state of the patient.

Homeopathic medicines do not show any adverse or side effects. They not only help in alleviation of the symptoms of old age problems but also help in regaining the overall health of the patient. Even after recovering from the disease, there is a long-term positive effect on the health of the person.

SOME HOMEOPATHIC REMDIES FOR ELDERLY

Ambra Gresia:
A great medicine for the elderly who are weak in all functions. Numbness, weakness, coldness in single parts of the fingers, hands etc.
Anacardium:
This is a medicine for those who are tired after a severe sexual illness or a broken process in old age. Relief after eating is a strong prominent feature.
Antimonium Tart:
Chronic catarrhal state of the chest in the elderly with thick white mucus in the chest due to every cold in winter.
Bacilinum:
Weak pulmonary circulation in the lungs.
Baryta Carb:
This is a mental and physical weakness in the elderly. Mental fatigue, stupidity, childish behavior of the elderly.
Conium: Excellent for muscle weakness due to old age.
Selenium :Has a significant effect on the genitourinary system.
Thiosinominum : This medicine is indicated for old age.
Nux moschata: Effective for old age weakness problems.
Wythenia somnifera: Weakness in old age

*Crotalus horridus, Hyoscymus, Hydrastis , senega, Agaricus ,staphysagria etc.* are other useful medicines in old age.

_Try homeopathy if you are sick !_
It will not disappoint you and will save you time and money. Moreover, it is more convenient than any other treatment method. It is a fact that people who take homeopathy treatment regularly in life live a quality life and are less likely to have other problems.

Homeopathic medical services for the aged are provided in a speciality clinic run by ICRH ,the Institute Of Clinical Research In Homeopathy under the auspices of Homeopathic Medical Association of Telangana (H.M.A.T) , Himayatnagar, Hyderabad , a ‘ Geriatric Speciality ‘ is concerned with the diseases of the elderly. ‎<This message was edited> For the first time , a Geriatric Specialty in Homeopathy was inaugurated at HMAT, Himayat nagar , St.No 1 , Hyderabad by the senior journalist & President T.Y.J.F , Dr.Thanugula Jithender Rao