Context: 

Health City Vistaar Hospital in Lucknow recently launched its new geriatric healthcare initiative, Jeevan Vistaar, aimed at promoting dignity, independence, and emotional well-being among senior citizens. The initiative emphasizes holistic care for individuals aged 60 and above.

Need for Geriatric Healthcare:

• India’s rising life expectancy—driven by improved healthcare and access to lifesaving medications—has not been matched by an increase in health span. Chronic ailments like hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis are now common among the elderly, leading to prolonged illness and dependency.

·        Socio-economic challenges such as financial insecurity, social isolation, and lack of family support—worsened by nuclear family structures and urban migration—add to their vulnerability.

·        Geriatric medicine has emerged as a recognised specialty in India, with dedicated outpatient units, postgraduate courses, and standalone centres.

·        While initially focused on infectious diseases, it now primarily addresses non-communicable and degenerative conditions like dementia, cardiovascular disease, and osteoarthritis, driven by lifestyle shifts and longer lifespans.

Key Challenges in Elderly Healthcare

• Comorbidities and Polypharmacy: Elderly patients often require multiple medications and specialist visits, increasing risks associated with polypharmacy and care fragmentation.
• Mental Health Issues: Disorders like depression and loneliness—especially after COVID-19—remain underdiagnosed due to low awareness and stigma.
• Financial Strain: Rising medical costs, limited insurance coverage, and reduced income after retirement contribute to significant financial stress.
• Limited Mobility and Support: Many elderly individuals face barriers to accessing healthcare due to physical limitations and lack of family assistance, often being accompanied by equally dependent spouses.

Institutional and Community-Based Interventions

• Specialised Geriatric Centres: Facilities offering integrated services under one roof are meeting previously unmet healthcare needs, reflecting growing public awareness.
• Home-Based and Doorstep Care: Government-led initiatives are training elderly care support assistants and implementing schemes that deliver drugs and primary care at home.
• Preventive Healthcare: Adult vaccination drives and screening for vision, hearing, and cognitive impairments are being rolled out to enhance early detection and intervention.

Possible Interventions:

• Education and Workforce Development: Expansion of geriatric training for doctors, nurses, and primary care providers is essential. Academic programs and short-term courses must be institutionalized.
• Infrastructure and Regulation: Hospitals and public spaces must be made age-friendly and fall-safe. Standardized and regulated guidelines are needed for home care and assisted living services.
• Policy and Financial Support: Geriatric departments should be set up in all medical colleges. Subsidized healthcare schemes and long-term financial planning must be prioritized.
• Community and Family Engagement: Promoting intergenerational bonding and sensitizing youth to the needs of the elderly can build empathy. Caregiver support systems and community-based screenings are also essential.

Conclusion

As India enters the “grey era,” there is an urgent need to reimagine geriatric care with empathy, innovation, and strategic foresight. By embracing a holistic and inclusive approach, the country can ensure that its ageing population is not merely sustained, but truly supported.