CARE OF THE ELDERLY IN WINTER

CARE OF THE ELDERLY IN WINTER

Abstract

Aging is an inevitable and irreversible natural biological phenomenon. Sinn-e-saikhookhat (old age) is the age of 60 years and above. The population of Sinn-e-saikhookhat is increasing rapidly all around the globe. Almost 12% of the global population is in the group old age. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has predicted that the percentage of this population will be 22% by 2050. An increasing population of old age is an indicator of improving global healthcare facilities. Due to the decrease in birth rate and increasing life expectancy, the world’s population demography is shifting towards old age. 1/6th of the world’s population lives in India. Today’s young India is rapidly growing towards a country of the elderly. India aging report 2017 by UNFPA entitled “Caring for our elders: Early Response” gives attention to providing appropriate care for people of old age to ensure good quality of life for them. The elderly are more affected by seasonal variation than other age groups. Due to barid yabis (cold and dry) temperament the morbidity and mortality among them are high in winter. In the Unani system of medicine, care for the elderly is described in detail under the heading of Tadabeer-e-Masaikh (Elderly care). Winter morbidity and mortality can be minimized by adopting certain preventive measures; these are summarized in this paper. 

Keywords: Old Age, Geriatrics, Elderly, Gerontology, Unani Medicine. 

Introduction

Sinn-e-saikhookhat is not a disease but it is more prone to disease and disability which enhances the rate of mortality. The rate of hospitalization is also much higher among the elderly in comparison to the general population. These morbidity and mortality rates further increase in winter. India is one of the most climatically diverse countries in the world. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi, the winter season in India is from December to February with some local adjustments. There are four seasons in a year has been described in classical Unani text. Each has its own specific temperament, which is determined by temperature and humidity. Winter season has been described as a season of barid-ratab (cold and wet) temperament. Seasonal variation imparts their effect on the health of every individual these are different for different ages. According to Cornelius Celsus (1st century AD) “the winter is more hurtful to old men, and the summer to youths”. The morbidity and mortality among the elderly show a seasonal pattern, which is higher in winter and gradually increases with a decrease in environmental temperature but also shows a sudden increase when excess heat occurs. This is further increased with the advancement of age. Winter’s ill effect is further among the individual of lower socioeconomic classes because of their inability to afford proper cold management facilities. Winter mortality is higher in a country with greater poverty, inequality, and deprivation. 

Old age people are at special risk because of their barid-yabis temperament, which is much affected by winter due to similarity in their temperament. In old age, the amount of subcutaneous fat and temperature sensation ability decreases, which increases the risk of hypothermia and inadequate energy production to stay the body warm enough. 

Nights are longer in winter which favors the production of bulgam (Phlegm) and hence phlegmatic disease predominates in winter. Paralysis and stroke are more in winter. During winter peak the mortality due to respiratory disease become double that of the lowest rate. However, the maximum number of deaths is due to ischemic heart disease. Physical cold injury, frostbite, and rate of falls and fracture due to slipping on ice or moist surface also increase in winter. Social interaction of the elderly reduces due to shorter daytime and poor mobility. Reducing social interaction may increase the feeling of isolation in old age. 

Morbidity and mortality can be minimized by adopting certain preventive measures and modifications in asbabe sitta zarroria (six essential factors for life)

Preventive Measures for the elderly in winter

• Follow the instruction for weather forecasting and prepare accordingly for cold management.
• Wear several layers of warm and comfortable clothes, a cap, socks, and gloves.
• Stay at home in cold or stormy weather as maximum as possible.
• For proper blood circulation and maintaining body heat stay active and mobile at home.
• Maintain the temperature of the room at 20-24 degree Celsius.
• For effective room heating seal doors and windows properly by maintaining proper ventilation.
• Room air should be moderately humid. Avoid being too dry or too humid.
• Take a sufficient amount of water even if not feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages. 
• Food and drink of hot temperament are preferred like meat, eggs, garlic, etc.
• Eat frequently and avoid heavy meals.
• If suffering from any health problem then properly follow the treatment and instructions of the treating physician.
• The elderly living alone should stay in close contact with relatives and near ones. 
• If any health problem occurs consult your physician as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Till date, it is not possible to make an individual immortal but proper health and the dietary facility can provide a long life without disease and disability. The population of the elderly is increasing rapidly. So, their health problem is emerging as public health issues. Sinn-e-saikhookhat is an extreme part of life and more susceptible to disease and disability due to their barid yabis temperament and weakness in quwa (faculty). Health is too much affected by environmental factors and seasonal variation. Seasonal variation and its effect on health according to age, sex, health, and disease is well understood since ancient times. Mortality, morbidity, and hospital admission rate Sinn-e-saikhookhat is higher in winter which can be minimized by adopting above mention certain preventive measures. 

References

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