Caring for age and to cherish our lives

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We do not want to age, yet all of us will. We also want to live long, and defy both age and death. However, this wish gets fulfilled in mythology, and for a selected few. Hindu mythology identifies seven ‘immortals’ or ‘chiranjeevis‘. Six of these were blessed (Hanuman, Parashuram, Vibhishan, Mahabali, Kripacharya, and Ved Vyas) and one was cursed (Ashwathama). The blessed ones also earned eternal youth.

Similarly, in Greek mythology Zeus fulfilled a wish to make Tithonus immortal. Since, eternal youth was not part of the wish, Tithonus continued to age. As per a legend penned by Homer, “.………. he babbles endlessly, and no more has strength at all, such as once he had in his supple limbs….“. Descriptions of age, and its health impact are well ingrained in literature. However, it was only in 20th century that caring for age became part of both social welfare and medical profession.

Welfare of elderly

Towards the end of the first world war, many countries in Europe and Americas were become more urban and industrialised. As young were contributing to the workforce, elderly were left to be fend for themselves. Sweden, France, Norway, and Japan were one of the first countries to introduce pension systems for the infirm or the elderly. Then came great depression of 1928, and incomes had dwindled. It is this time, that some states in the US initiated first pensions for the old. Around the same time, many other countries also started first such welfare schemes.

As social welfare for the retired former employees picked up, medical science was also catching up. The term ‘Geriatrics’ for a study of the old-age was coined in 1908-09. It comes from geros, which in greek means old age. The term was first used by a microbiologist named Metchenikoff, and later by a physician Ignatz Nascher.

From concept to practice

Marjory Warren was one of the first geriatricians. In 1945, in UK she advocated for creation of a separate speciality and hospitals for the elderly. In 1947, she co-founded the Medical Society for the Care of the Elderly. By 1950s, Geriatrics was listed as one of the specialities in the UK. Meanwhile in US, first social security act was passed in 1935. The governments included many reforms in social security system between 1945-49. However a dedicated medical insurance for the elderly “medicare” came up only in 1965. During these times, life expectancy and proportion of elderly were both on a rise. Elderly also made their appearance in some postage stamps.

Elderly cane, a wooden stick with a curved top, became a symbol of sorts. This is seen in a postage stamp from Iceland, and also in later stamps from Sweden (1980).

Different systems and economies promote varied care systems. Early on, focus was on home-based care by the families. This remains a preferred care system across the eastern and developing world. After medicare insurance system in US, nursing homes or hospices gained prominence. Some nursing homes also became teaching geriatric centres. The debate between family based care and a dedicated medical facility for the elderly continues.

Geriatric care becomes global

World health Organization has observed three elderly centric world health days. The slogans were Add life to years (1982), Active ageing makes the difference (1999) and Good health adds life to years – Ageing & Health (2012). The demographic shift towards elderly and its care is now on a global agenda.

In India, one of the pioneering organisations for the care of elderly, Helpage India was set up in 1978. This, and many other non-government agencies have been flag-bearers of old age care in India.

In 2007, Indian parliament passed a bill known as Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. This act makes maintenance of parents or senior citizens by children or relatives obligatory. In 1999, Government launched National Policy on Older Persons, which has expanded to many dedicated services. We also observe 1st October as International day of older persons and 15th June as World elder abuse awareness day.

While immortality and eternal youth are aspirations of the young, and also contribute to folklore, wrinkles and subliming strength are realities of ageing. Its a cycle for all young and old to recognise.

While we care for the elders, we also need to cherish all the years we leave behind. These sweet and sour memories will be our strength in our dwindling years. Lets make them joyous and pleasant, for our years to come.