In a welcoming move, the government is planning to expand its coverage of elderly healthcare, through its ambitious Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, by including treatments for diseases commonly seen among elders, like Alzheimer's, dementia, heart failure and cancer.
“A committee headed by medical experts reviews health packages regularly, but this is a special case due to the inclusion of a large elderly subgroup. The committee is identifying key health issues requiring hospitalization and will develop packages for timely treatment," a source close to the health ministry told TOI.
Currently, Ayushman Bharat has close to 25 health packages and so far more than 67 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created and more than 42 crore health records have been linked to ABHA.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Yojana was launched in 2018. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission was launched on September 27, 2021 to revolutionize India's digital healthcare ecosystem by enhancing healthcare accessibility and transparency.
In the elderly, physical diseases are often chronic and related to age-related degeneration. Common physical conditions include cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, along with diabetes, which can affect blood sugar regulation. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, causes joint pain and stiffness, while osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures.
Respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and frequent infections like pneumonia are also prevalent due to weakened lung function. Sensory impairments, such as hearing and vision loss, further complicate daily life.
Mentally, cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are widespread, affecting memory, decision-making, and daily functioning. Depression and anxiety are also common in the elderly, often triggered by loneliness, health decline, or loss of independence. Conditions like delirium and sleep disorders can exacerbate mental strain.
It is very important to take aid from established organizations to provide better physical and mental healthcare to seniors. Organizations like ASLI or the Association of Senior Living India work tirelessly to make sure seniors live a responsible and respectable life.
