Homoeopathy- A Holistic Approach To Geriatric Health Care Healthcare for the elderly through Homoeopathy

Dr. KAVITA THAPA Medical officer (Homoeopathy) District Hospital Namchi

World Homoeopathy Day is observed every year on April 10 to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homoeopathy. Homoeopathy is a holistic and individualized approach to healthcare, which is based on the principle of “Similia Similibus Curantur” which means “Like Cures Like”. According to this theory, a medication that causes symptoms in a healthy individual can also treat those same symptoms in a sick person. Homoeopathy is a type of alternative medicine that is broadly employed worldwide. Homoeopathy for the aged is beneficial because it fulfils the criteria for an optimal senior care medical system. Patients are treated holistically in homoeopathy, and medicines are customized to each person instead of the ailment. Homoeopathic medicines are non-toxic and considered safe without any danger of overdose. Also, they are non-addictive, easily stored, and less expensive than conventional regimens. Whether certain indications are bodily, psychological, or behavioural, Homoeopathy offers a gradual, although often intense treatment for acute or chronic disease. Homeopathy uses extremely diluted substances through a process called potentization. It is because of this; homeopathic remedies are thought to be safe and almost carry none to negligible risk of adverse effects of drugs and are safe for both newborns and the elderly. 

Understanding Ageing and Geriatrics 

India has nearly 120 million elderly people and it is suggested that by the year 2050, the number of elderly persons will rise to about 324 million. Currently, 7.7% of India’s population is above the age of 60. 

The word “Geriatrics” was derived from the Greek word “geras” meaning old age and “iatrikos” meaning medical treatment. Geriatrics is the branch of medical science concerned with the prevention and treatment of diseases in older people, it is the scientific medical discipline concerned with the health of seniors, and with the normal ageing process. It aims to promote health and prevent and treat diseases & disabilities in elderly people. Geriatrics healthcare not only focuses on diagnosis & treatment of ailments but also focuses on physical, social rehabilitation, psychological & environmental risk factors. The world is witnessing increasing life expectancies at the global level due to global improvements in health care and living conditions.

United Nation defines an aged person as who is more than 60 years of age. As individuals age at different speeds & the deterioration rate is different, so there can be a difference between chronological age & biological age. Therefore, old age can also be defined as the age from where the actual retrogressive changes commence both in mind & body.

Old age can be categorized into 3 groups-

1.     Young Old- 60 to 75 years

2.     Middle Old- 75 to 85 years

3.     Oldest Old- above 85 years.

Health problems of Elderly

Old age is the period of manifestation of the decline of the various organs & systems in the body. This varies according to the various physiologies of the organs. It is very difficult to differentiate between diseases & ageing effects, e.g., renal function impairment may be part of the ageing effect but renal failure is not a part of normal processes. Any kind of decline from the normal physiological status during the ageing process is considered a complication & health problem in old age. Elderly people usually suffer from some common problems like Anxiety, Forgetfulness, Depression, Senile Dementia, Vertigo, Insomnia/Sleeplessness, Visual problems, Cataract, Gastro Intestinal Disorder, Atherosclerosis, Osteoarthritis, Degenerative diseases, Benign Hypertrophy of Prostrate (BPH) in males, menopausal syndrome in females, General disability or emaciation etc. 

Homoeopathy for Elderly

In homoeopathy, we are considering every individual as unique, and ‘we treat the patient that has the disease but not the diseases that the patient has’. Considering the prevalence of chronic diseases and their implications in old age, homoeopathy deserves its own space. Moreover, correct homoeopathic medication has no adverse or side effects on health. 

Homoeopathy ensures complete care & healing of the elderly people swaggering from the above asserted and other complaints by offering many homeopathic medicines. A homoeopathic “similimum” can give more comfort & prolong the life process of old age by minimizing the complications. Homoeopathy works using highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.

With age, our metabolism slows down and our bodies go through many damaging and degenerative changes. Standard remedies to cure old-age illnesses give short-term respite, whereas homoeopathic medicines work precisely, swiftly, and efficiently for the elderly. Homoeopathy offers a unique aspect and treatment methodology for the ailments and challenges faced by the elderly. The importance of effective and gentle medical care specific for the old and ageing people has been necessitated due to the rise in life expectancy. Management of chronic pain in the elderly to the treatment of age-related diseases through Homoeopathy is specific and gentle. Some research suggests when people are treated homoeopathically for common infections, their immune systems are stronger, and infections are less likely to recur. Absolute prevention of ageing is not possible, as birth, growth, development, and ageing are natural phenomena. Patients of any age group can be treated with homoeopathy with the goal of recovery.  

In contrast to conventional treatments, homoeopathic medicines are substantially concentrated and have no active harmful ingredients, thus there are fewer instances of potentially detrimental health consequences. Homoeopathy uses extremely diluted substances it is because of this that homoeopathic remedies are thought to be safe and have a low risk of both adverse effects and drug overdose.

For long-term treatment of elderly with persisting conditions, homoeopathic medical therapy is found advantageous. It is also necessary to comprehend the individual, their environment, and socio-cultural background. Supplemental and auxiliary treatments such as nutrition, fitness, lifestyle and behavioural changes, physiotherapy, group work, and psychological assistance, in addition to medicine, are the pillars of such therapy. 

Homoeopathy meets all the criteria for posing as an optimal health service for elderly care. Homeopathy also has a far cheaper cost than all other healthcare systems. This could be a huge aid to the aged living on a nominal or a fixed income. Homoeopathy has the potential to better tackle a prominent healthcare challenge in our nation.

Conclusion

There are sufficient numbers of homoeopathic medicines available for the treatment of elderly people which can not only remove disorders but also help to recover from disabilities & thus homoeopathy helps to promote the condition of health of old age people. Apart from the medicinal therapy an older individual deserves tender care, attention & a healing touch which is required mostly to remove their mental disability & irritability. The physician must support the elderly people both mentally & physically by their healing touch. The ageing population is both a medical and sociological problem. It creates a greater demand for the health services of a community. In the rapidly greying world, healthy ageing is vital for countries. The community must assist the aged to fight the triple evils of poverty, loneliness, and ill health and provide a safe and supportive environment. 

For minor ailments to chronic conditions, homoeopathy can play a promising role and find wide application across the globe but it should always be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.