The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

                                                                          - William Shakespeare

As emphasized by Shakespeare old age or +60 age is when the person starts declining- physically, mentally, socially as well as psychologically and the journey wherein the person reaches this stage is known as ageing. , also known as senescence, is a process that every human being goes through.  has been defined as the collection of changes that render human beings progressively more likely to die (Medawar, 1952).

A Natural Process

 is a slow, progressive and universal process which takes many years to manifest and is associated with various changes in the organ system. There is slow deterioration of the physical, psychological, physiological, biomedical and behavioral systems.

During the  process, there is gradual decline in the magnitude and speed of internal response towards external environment.

Personality remains more or less the same in old age and at the same time there can be considerable growth - prudence, wisdom, experience, reasoning etc.

Ageing is not a disease, but a natural part of the development of our bodies that started the day we were born. The study of gerontology focuses on human  and how and why we age. Normally, the process of  in the human body starts at middle age around 45. The process and its effects depend on both, the genetic as well as environmental factors and hence, some of the aspects of the  process differ from person to person.

Causes some amount of reduction in the rate of human cell multiplication (cellular senescence) and also causes some of the cells to function inappropriately. It also interferes with the growth and development of the body tissues which leads to the development of various immune system related disorders.  also causes some changes in normal physiology such as during ageing flow of blood to lungs restricts, there is difficulty in digesting fats and carbohydrates, ability of the immune system to produce disease fighting antibodies is substantially reduced making people over 45 more prone to illnesses and diseases. The fat under the skin begins to decrease and oil glands and sweat glands are less efficient, making skin thinner and drier. Collagen and elastin, which keep the skin firm and plump, become less connected. As a result, skin wrinkles and sags.

The mineral content of bones starts to decline. Bones lose density and become more fragile, making falls more dangerous and becoming prone to osteoporosis. The loss of bone density also makes one shrink, losing almost half an inch every ten years after the age of 40.  Tendons and ligaments become less flexible, while the cartilage that cushions the bones starts to break down.

Simultaneously the sensory system also begins to weaken- the sight is less sharp from the age of 40 as muscles start to weaken, taste buds are lost by 40s and 50s, while hearing starts to decline in 50s. Sense of smell is the last to go, declining in 70s.

 Specific Changes In Men And Women

There are also specific changes which affect women. In their 50s, many women experience menopause, leading to changes in breast tissue, the bladder and the urethra. Because of the decline in estrogen levels, women are at greater risk of osteoporosis than men are. During this period, women may gain weight. Men may experience male syndrome from their mid-30s to mid-60s as their testosterone level drops. These changes lead to a decrease in the levels of libido, muscle and body mass, bone strength and also impotency in some males. Other changes that may be noticed in males include increased forgetfulness, insomnia and irritability.

Difficulties Most Commonly encountered in Old Age

Sometimes these associated changes cause age-related problems and disorders. Elderly people are susceptible to a wide range of health problems. In older people, the numerous biological processes work below their optimum level. So, following are the elderly health issues observed after the age of 65.

Vision Problems:  

Vision Problems can bring undesirable changes in the eyesight. Vision problems are one of the most common elderly health issues that require urgent medical treatment to prevent further deterioration of the eye. Minor eyesight problems are often corrected by wearing spectacles. But when associated with Cataract, amblyopia, astigmatism it requires serious medical aid.

Hearing Loss:

As a person ages, his ability to hear and discriminate sound diminishes. It is naturally for elderly people to be upset and anxious, as it interferes with normal communication. 'Hard of hearing' or partial deafness are the common complaints among the elderly. However, with the advancement in science and technology, a wide range of hearing aids are available today, to treat age related hearing loss effectively. Programmable hearing aids are the latest devices that can make understanding people easier. This is one of the health problems for seniors and elderly, that has to be addressed early to avoid complete hearing loss.

Osteoporosis:

With increase in age, a significant decrease in bone mass or density is observed making them brittle and weak. This is turn increases the chance of developing bone fractures. A minor fall or even coughing can put elderly in the risk zone of bone fractures. Although more common in women over 65 men too can develop osteoporosis at an early age due to inadequate calcium intake.

Osteoarthritis:

Over the years and constant wear and tear of joints leads to joint problems in the form of osteoarthritis. In old age the cartilage of joints begins to wear away as such the bones rub against each other, causing inflammation and pain in the joints. Joint problems such as morning stiffness in the elderly are warning signs of osteoarthritis. In this condition, the joints are less flexible and cause pain during normal movement.

Urinary Incontinence:

It is the condition where a person passes urine involuntarily. Weakened pelvic muscles in old age may lead to leakage of urine when the pressure inside the abdomen is raised e.g. when coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting heavy objects.

How is Homeopathy more suitable for Elderly

One can always slow down the progression of these elderly health issues, by leading a healthy lifestyle. Habits like smoking can lead to early manifestation of cataracts. Calcium deficiency in the diet can make a person prone to bone diseases. So, following a healthy diet and an exercise program can prolong and even prevent the occurrence of these elderly health issues. Other than healthy life style Homeopathy medicines also help in relieving age related complaints. With Homeopathy. The overall health condition of an elderly could improve it could even address conditions associated with aging. Homoeopathy treatment can help the elderly take care  of everyday life problems and does no harm to the system. If old people are alert and physically fit it would increase their desire to live longer. They will enjoy life rather than be miserable.

Some Homeopathy Remedies for Elderly

Baryta carb - delays  process.

Conium - Excellent for muscular weakness due to old age.

Selenium - Has marked effects on the genito urinary system.

Thiosinaminum - The drug is suggested for retarding old age

Nux Moschata - Effective drug for old age problem of weakness.

Withenia somnifera - Weakness in old age.

It is important to remember that the ability to learn and adjust continues throughout life and is strongly influenced by interests, activities, and motivation.

With years of rich experience and reflection, we can rise above our own circumstances. Old age, despite the physical limitations, can be a time of variety, creativity, and fulfillment. So old age can be pleasurable if one learns to accept life as it comes and be happy.

Happily moving to the September Issue of Homeopathic Horizon we present to you an exclusive issue on HOMEOPATHY AND GERIATRICS.

Remembering all those elderly who have touched our lives and offering them our love and wishes.

Happy Reading