Amid rising lifespans, elderly care in India needs to be reinvented.

 

             

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According to the United Nations, the years 2021-2030 have been declared as the 'Decade of Healthy Ageing'. With the world's population aging rapidly, it is essential to find innovative solutions to address the challenges of elder care. In India, life expectancy has gone up significantly over the last few decades, resulting in the rise of the elderly population. India has nearly 138 million elderly persons, comprising 67 million males and 71 million females. 

Also, the proportion of the elderly population in India has increased to 10.1% in 2021 and is further likely to increase to 13.1% in 2031. By approximately 2050, the ageing population in India is set to grow to about 330 million according to the LASI survey.

Considering the growing need for geriatric care in India because of several allied factors involved, it is imperative to organize the fragmented elder care ecosystem. On one hand, the shift in demographic across the world has accentuated pressure on the already burdened care ecosystem. 

On the other hand, today, the elderly prefers to age within the comforts of their homes while remaining equally active contributors to their communities and societies. But to age this way needs handholding which is primarily absent for numerous reasons.

The need for enhanced geriatric care to address the unique healthcare requirements of seniors is crucial. A diverse array of government schemes and policies focusing on health, financial empowerment, and capacity building of the elderly population is necessary. 

Active involvement of community-based organizations in digital empowerment through computer and internet usage sessions, ministerial committees dedicated to shaping policies for the welfare of the elderly, corporate initiatives aimed at promoting joyful ageing, providing social assistance, establishing old age homes, and raising awareness about elder abuse are some key findings from a report by Times of India.

Though so many developed countries have started increasingly integrating the private sector into community and home-based care models for the elderly to reduce burden on already stressed public resources, India lacks on this front. The shift towards home-based care models for elderly patients has been a significant trend in recent years. Home-based care models can provide a more personalized approach to care that can help improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. 

Telemedicine can be used to monitor patients' health, provide consultations, and even perform medical procedures. This technology can be especially useful for elderly patients who may have difficulty traveling to a medical facility.

Wearable technology is another innovation that has the potential to improve elder care. Wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers can monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. 

This information can be transmitted to healthcare providers who can use it to monitor patients' health remotely. Wearable technology can also help elderly patients stay active and healthy by tracking their physical activity levels.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another technology that has the potential to revolutionize elder care. AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that may not be visible to human caregivers. This information can be used to develop personalized care plans for elderly patients. AI can also be used to monitor patients' health and alert caregivers if there are any changes in their condition.

Robotics is another innovation that has the potential to improve elder care. Robots can be used to perform tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and even providing companionship for elderly patients. Robots can also be used to assist with mobility issues by providing support for walking or transferring from one location to another.

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that has the potential to improve quality of life for elderly patients. VR can be used to provide immersive experiences that can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. VR can also be used to provide cognitive stimulation for elderly patients who may be experiencing memory loss or other cognitive impairments.

Smart homes are another innovation that has the potential to improve elder care. Smart homes are equipped with sensors and other devices that can monitor patients' health and safety. For example, smart homes can detect if a patient has fallen and alert caregivers if there is no response. Smart homes can also be equipped with devices such as smart thermostats and lighting systems that can be controlled remotely.

In conclusion, there are many innovations in care coordination and technology that have the potential to revolutionize elder care in India. These technologies have the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and improve quality of life for elderly patients. As these technologies continue to evolve, it is essential to ensure that they are accessible and affordable for all patients who need them.