In our country, the 40th year of life is said to be the year when the body starts declining, memory starts to play truant, skin withers, blood circulation is disrupted, respiratory, cardiac and digestive functions show a gradually declining trend, work output is painfully inadequate, nerves give in. The 40th year is not the year when the decline starts, but it is a common deadline when all the excesses of lifestyle need to be moderated, and controlled. In fact, old age starts actually from the 60th year, when caution is required to be taken. Retirement for ladies from service should never be taken as retirement from activities itself. One must learn to remain active as long as one lives because old age is merely a mental aberration and the only need of the hour is to reverse some of the habits.
Ladies generally break down, due to excessive workload, worries and cares of family, job-related or socio-economic problems. When the body is subjected to too much stress and strain, the capacity to work wilts under such strains, and old age becomes a burdensome problem. But, there is no need for pessimist and reclusive thinking. You are as young as you feel, but never that you are as old as you feel. Old age is not a period for repentance, it is the right time for self-analysis and introspection.
Old ladies have to undergo the following physical disorders, so to say :
• Rheumatism, gout, arthritis, pains in limbs and joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints (like knee, feet etc).
• Movement may get restricted.
• Appetite decreases and digestion-related problems supervene.
• Dyspnoea on the slightest movement, along with other allied respiratory problems.
• Disinclination to perform the jobs (due to weak functioning of limbs and vital organs) which were being done previously, without much problem.
• Costive bowels, piles or, bleeding from the rectum or anus or even fissures in the rectum.
• Urine-related problems—urine may be scanty, suppressed, profuse, painful or with a burning sensation.
• Disinclination to sex.
• Mental depression and withdrawn behaviour. No desire to mix up with the world nor any urge to do one’s own work.
• Weak eyesight and maladjustment of glasses. Diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, trachoma, and intolerance of light and bright colours.
• Problems of teeth and gums and misfit dentures.
• Skin may be rough, dry, or hypersensitive.
• Occasional headache, pain and strain on and around eyes.
• Problems relating to hearing and smell.
• Hypertension.
The old ladies, who keep themselves engaged in any domestic, social, entertainment-related activities don’t feel, quite often, neglected or condemned. Killing time is a major problem of old age. Mental diversion and fruitful utilisation of time can help to solve the bulk of their problems. Some studious and educated ladies prefer to pass their time in literary pursuits, by joining clubs, social organisations, libraries or reading rooms, or even becoming reputed scribes, reporters or correspondents. Certain old ladies help their grandchildren in their studies, look to their requirements, and attend to light and manageable domestic chores.
Old ladies should be particularly extra careful about the pains/swellings in their joints, backache, gout-related problems, rheumatic complaints, eye-sight, hearing problems, general cough and cold conditions, and behavioural and mood disorders.
Their diet should be a low-fat, low-salt diet. Carbohydrates and proteins should be compensated by natural dietary sources, like juices of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and pulses, milk, curd, whey etc. Those who take 1/2kg milk or 250 gms each of milk and curd, need not take extra fat. If necessary, the fat requirement may be made up of cow’s butter. The diet must be in consonance the with condition of the body and actual food requirements. In order to avoid monotonous food, proper food exchanges (or substitutes) may be tried. Eat, only when hungry, but never overeat. In old age, it is not possible to undertake strenuous exercises. If it suits, a morning and evening stroll may be resorted to, even if the same is done in the courtyard or lawn of the house.
Old ladies, while moving out, must have the company of a young, adult, so that in case of any emergency, she could be helped. In any case, never move alone out of the house. Diabetic ladies should carry sugar with them and asthmatics should carry a throat spray. Those who have suffered from angina pectoris should carry, at least, two tablets of sorbitrate (though only ¼ – ½ Tablet is to be used at a time). They should also fully guard themselves and dress according to changing weather conditions. Those who are habitual wearers of specs should keep an extra pair of specs in reserve, for use in an emergency.
In old age, due to lack of calcium, there are chances of osteoporosis and even a normal fall can result in fracture. So, be aware.
Old ladies should be extra careful about sustaining injuries, caused by traumatic falls, bathroom slip, slip from stairs or a slope, ankle twist, knee injury, arm hand, and shoulders injuries. Here, they can’t do much but can at least, take precautions.