Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Modalities of empowerment and strengthening of elderly

2^nd International Conference on Geriatrics & Gerontology

August 24-26, 2015 Toronto, Canada

Rajendra Harnagle

Texila American University, Guyana

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Gerontol Geriat Res

Abstract:

Background: Older people including ex-servicemen in India are left to fend for themselves due to nuclear family system & since mostly children are also not staying with them due to reasons such as acquiring of education or employment at distant places. These factors coupled with deteriorating health with advance of age & change in value system & attitude amongst children who give more importance to materialism, it was felt necessary to find modalities to empower & strengthen exservicemen by available modalities including progressive weight training, yoga & meditation. Methods: An interventional �??Before & After study�?� was planned for a period of three months for in-patient ex-servicemen of a military hospital for common lifestyle diseases namely Stroke, Diabetes, Senile Depression, Acute Myocardial Infarction & Hypertension. Data of anthropometry, laboratory investigations & Hamilton Depression Score were taken before the study. These cases were then subjected to interventions (progressive weight training & spiritual health enhancement by yoga with meditation for three months) followed by measurement of anthropometry, laboratory investigations and Hamilton Depression Score again after the interventions. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed before & after study with respect to pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL & Hamilton Depression Score (p<0.05). The sleep pattern, sense of well being, posture while sitting to standing and walking with degree of support (stick/other person�??s help) improved considerably after the interventions. Conclusion: Ex-servicemen are recommended to be trained much before retirement on progressive weight training & yoga in Regimental Centre/Station institute & provision to be made in existing ECHS polyclinics for employment of part time trainers of progressive weight training & yoga. The effect of strengthening physically as well as spiritually results in better capability to deal with old age without much support.

Biography :

Email: rajendra.harnagle@gmail.com