Friday 30 September 2016

Dementia: Issues and Concerns

As I have written earlier, dementia is a collective name for progressive degenerative brain syndromes which includes loss of memory, difficulty in understanding what people are saying, difficulty in performing routine tasks and some personality and mood changes. These are some of the symptoms which a person suffering from dementia experiences. In addition to this, as it progresses, socially and psychologically a person with dementia faces many problems in adjusting well with everyday task in their family and society, not only because of  the symptoms which it brings but also because of the stigma attached with it and also due to lack of information about how to deal with it..

With reference to the above context, I found a very useful article written by Dr. Mala Kapur Shankardass, who is a sociologist and a gerontologist. The article "Remembering those who have lost their memory" (http://www.asianage.com/health-fitness/remembering-those-who-have-lost-their-memory-685) highlights the critical issues related to dementia and gives suggestions as to how it can be controlled in number of ways for which special effort has to be put by the family, community and society.

While working with and for senior citizens have come across many people including youngsters who had no information about dementia and who felt that it is a part of old age. I strongly feel that it is very important first to raise awareness about dementia that it is disease and not just a part of old age. This should be done in strategic way by organizations working for senior citizens. Along with this ways of  controlling it should also be shared by experts in this field and people should be sensitized about the needs of people with dementia. As of now very few organizations are working towards this aim. More and more organizations both from voluntary and corporate sector must join hands to work towards this goal.

Lastly, I want to say that to deal with this issue well as Dr. Mala mentioned “dementia-friendly communities” are required very much in today's time because along with encouraging social involvement of people with dementia, such communities also raise awareness on the needs and well-being of care givers and reduce risk factors that may contribute towards the growing incidence of the disease. I am sure as the number of such communities will increase occurrence of dementia will be controlled and people will be able to lead a healthy and active life.

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Tuesday 27 September 2016

Taking up Hobbies and Social Interest is a part of Retirement Planning

Found an interesting article which suggests that apart from financial planning one must also focus upon psycho-social retirement planning like taking up hobbies, social interest and participating in social interactions for adapting well with retirement. (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/plan/retirement-planning-is-more-than-money-part-time-jobs-social-interests-help-in-transition/articleshow/54375303.cms)

I agree with this very much because I have seen many financially sound elderly to be facing lot of problem while adapting with retirement because though they are financially prepared for it but are not ready for it at social and emotional end. While collecting data for my Master’s Dissertation which focused upon studying the process of Senior’s adaptation to retirement, many of my participants emphasised on the above point by saying that for adapting well with retirement one has to be prepared for it economically, mentally and socially.

Based on my observations I can say that those who take retirement as one of the transition in life and who believe in enjoying life or exploring new interests are the one who remain happy after retirement and adapt well with it.

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Friday 23 September 2016

Senior College for keeping seniors active

Nothing can make my day as exciting as this news coming from Williston, United States, where senior citizens are celebrating healthy ageing month by attending senior college (http://www.myndnow.com/news/williston-news/williston-senior-college-keeps-senior-citizens-sharp).

Such classes have been organised for keeping the elderly mentally involved and fit. Various researches done so far have proved that exercising the body, and the brain regularly, improves thinking and memory skills. It also delays or prevents certain disorders like Alzheimer's.

Appreciating the efforts of the seniors, Jim Stout, Associate Professor at Williston State College said "They learn so much from each other and they appreciate learning from some each other. They don't put it all on me." This reminds me about some of my 60+ active and passionate students at Tata Institute of Social Sciences whom I taught Gerontology in 2014.

As longevity is increasing we need to involve more and more seniors in tasks which can keep them mentally and physically active. Starting senior college for 60+ is one of the best ways to make them learn and share their knowledge and thus keep themselves mentally and physically fit.


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Wednesday 21 September 2016

Today is World Alzheimer's Day

September 21 is observed worldwide as Alzheimer’s Day. Alzheimer's is a type of dementia. Dementia is a collective name for progressive degenerative brain syndromes which includes loss of memory, difficulty in understanding what people are saying, difficulty in performing routine tasks and personality and mood changes.

Today lets take a moment from our busy schedule and think of ways in which we can keep our mind positive and active. These are some ways in which Alzheimer's can be prevented.

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Saturday 17 September 2016

100 Year Old Runner from India

Sharing another inspirational news about 100 year old Man Kaur from India who participated in the Americas Masters Games held in Vancouver, British Columbia and won a gold medal for her strong will power and determination to run and finish the race at such an age when for many walking is a difficult task. She not only amazed but also inspired her fellow runners both young and elder by such act.(http://www.news18.com/news/buzz/indias-100-year-old-runner-man-kaur-bags-gold-medal-at-american-masters-games-1287207.html)

She is really a perfect example of Healthy and Productive Ageing. I salute her for her zeal and strong will power.

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