GUEST COLUMN: Diseases of Old Age-1 -Dr Puri
Dr Ajit S Puri/ royalpatiala.in News/ January 10,2026
Old people suffer more than all other age groups, since there is a general lack of health education/ awareness regarding the various diseases and other related aspects of old age.
It should be clearly stated at the very outset that old people constitute an important part of our society. They can work satisfactorily even up to 80 years of age or more, with intelligence, sound memory, provided they are properly cared for. According to the WHO, old age starts at the age of 65. The myth that an old man does not remain useful to society should at once be discouraged. It is a misconception and needs to be removed.
There is no doubt that awareness about the various steps required for proper health as well as the longevity of old people is increasing day by day, and that is the reason that still much more is required to be done in this sphere. It may be appreciated that there is a great heterogeneity in the older population. A 70 year old may run, or on the other hand, may only be able to walk slowly. Globally, the percentage of people of 60 and above is increasing with a rapid pace.
WHAT IS GERIATRICS?
The science dealing with the study and treatment of the diseases of old age is called Geriatrics. Like paediatrics (concerning children), geriatrics (derived from the Greek word ‘Geraios’, meaning old age) is itself a specialty. The British Geriatric Society has defined it thus: ‘Geriatrics is the branch of general medicine concerned with the clinical, preventive, medical and social aspects of illness in the elderly’.
It is worth noting that the presentation or clinical manifestations of various serious diseases are different in advanced age as compared to those among young/middle-aged patients. Unless the public, which includes both the old people and their family members / attendants, is educated / made aware of the symptoms / warning signals of such diseases, the diagnosis of a grave problem in an old person is likely to be missed, and the disease may even prove fatal. Advanced age is in fact a risk factor by itself in the development of several diseases especially vascular. The goal of geriatric care is focused on detection and managing diseases timely.
NOTE: The views expressed by the author, writer are personal. Dr. Ajit S. Puri is MD (Medicine), FICP, FCAI, FICA, DSc.(Honoris Causa),Medical Consultant, Author of world acclaimed book ‘Speaking of How to Prevent Common Diseases’
