Sunday, Apr 21, 2024 22:30 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, Apr 20, 2024 16:53 [IST]
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.