An Excerpt of Geriatric Diseases in India

JOURNAL TITLE: MGM Journal of Medical Sciences

Author
1. Bani B Ganguly
2. Nitin N Kadam
ISSN
2347-7946
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10036-1238
Volume
6
Issue
2
Publishing Year
2019
Pages
3
Author Affiliations
    1. MGM Center for Genetic Research and Diagnosis, MGM New Bombay Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Article keywords
    Aging, Cardiovascular diseases, Geriatric diseases, Life-expectancy, Noncommunicable diseases

    Abstract

    Background: Aging is a consequence of accumulated effects of living conditions, acquired mutations, and an inefficient regenerative mechanism of the progenitor cells. Chronologic aging is linearly linked to an increase in health-complexities of noncommunicable types. In contrast, medical advancements is enhancing the life-expectancy—certainly at a higher cost; however, the trend could outnumber the young workforce subsequently. Hence, understanding of disease-prevalence is essential with a view to making necessary arrangements for offering appropriate care to the geriatric population. Materials and methods: Records of over 47,000 outpatient medical consultancies were retrieved from the hospital management system and considered for investigating the disease-prevalence in the older population. Results: Older population was largely affected with diseases related to the cardiovascular system followed by general medical complications. In general, men were more affected with geriatric diseases, which could largely be due to a lack of financial and other preparedness of the retirees. Conclusion: A significant osteoarthritis problem in females is undoubtedly associated with aging of ovaries. An intense look at geriatric diseases may guide for building age-friendly and dedicated accommodation at home and healthcare centers. The knowledge may be helpful for handling geriatric disease-burden of low- and middle-income countries.

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