'Better life expectancy results in more number of old people'

It is high time that healthcare issues of old people gain importance in the light of increasing old age population, said experts.

They emphasised the need to spread awareness about diseases related to old age, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, reproductive and lifestyle issues.

The concern was noted at the Second International Congress on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine being organised from February 23 to 29 at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital by All India Institute of Medical Sciences and the University College of Medical Sciences, GTB Hospital.

“The increase in life expectancy over the last two decades is a welcome development. However, this has also given rise to a large population of old people.

“The current Indian population has 76 million people who are above 60 years. This figure of 7.5 per cent is expected to increase further. In India, we still do not have science devoted to geriatric population,” said Dr Ashish Goel, organising secretary of the event.

The event will see participation of gerontologists, social scientists dealing with old people and family members of older people.

“We do not have a long-term care of the old in the country. By bringing all the stakeholders on one platform, we want to have a comprehensive understanding of the issue,” said Dr Goel.

The last day of the conference will have a session in which children of various schools of Delhi will interact with older people and share each other’s concerns.