Health and Wellbeing in Late Life: Perspectives and Narratives from India

Description

This open access book takes a multidisciplinary approach to provide a holistic understanding of late old age, and situates the aged person within the context of family, caregivers, clinical and other institutions. All through the book, the author discusses preparedness for an aging individual as well as the society in the Indian context. The book highlights inevitable but mostly neglected health issues like depression, dementia, fall, and frailty and provides detailed analyses of solutions that are practicable in low resource settings. It also brings up intergenerational differences and harmony in the context of holistic care of older Indians. Alongside clinical perspectives, the book uses narratives of elderly patients to dwell on the myriad of problems and issues that constitute old age healthcare. Demonstrating cases that range from the most influential to the most underprivileged elderly in India, the book enlightens multiple caregivers—doctors, nurses, and professional caregivers as well as family members—about the dynamic approach required in dealing with complex issues related to late old age. The narratives make the book relatable and interesting to non-academic readers, with important lessons for gerontological and geriatric caregiving. It is also of use to older adults in preparing for active aging. Front Matter ....Pages i-xxv Understanding Frailty: The Science and Beyond (Prasun Chatterjee)....Pages 1-20 Living with Failing Memory: A Caregiver’s Perspective (Prasun Chatterjee)....Pages 21-36 Panorama of Cancer (Prasun Chatterjee)....Pages 37-62 Meaningful Engagement: An Option or Not (Prasun Chatterjee)....Pages 63-74 Constipation: More than Just “A Symptom” (Prasun Chatterjee)....Pages 75-92 Fall: A Geriatric Syndrome with Endless Agony (Prasun Chatterjee)....Pages 93-108 Stroke, Premorbid Status and Resilience (Prasun Chatterjee)....Pages 109-128 Discussion About Sexual Health: Is It Age Inappropriate? (Prasun Chatterjee)....Pages 129-146 To Treat or Not to Treat (Prasun Chatterjee)....Pages 147-163 Successful Ageing: An Opportunity and Responsibility for All (Prasun Chatterjee)....Pages 165-195