Health Risks for Ageing Parents: Expert Tells How to Care for Them

Updated Aug 11, 2024 | 11:28 AM IST

SummaryDo you have elderly parents at your home? Are you struggling to understand them? Do your grandparents deny when you offer them help or assistance? Is this something that happens in your house regularly? If yes, then this can help you navigate helping the elderly at your home. Read on to know more.
Health Risks for Ageing Parents Expert Tells How to Care for Them

Credits: Pexels

As you grow old, your health starts to deteriorate. Everything, whether it is your mental health or your physical health, starts to slow down. However, with age, your mental health gets overshadowed by your physical health.

Signs You Should Note
Neha Sinha, a dementia specialist and CEO and Co-founder of Epoch Elder Care, with the experience of 15 years notes that with age accessing social spaces becomes a hassle. “You are not able to go out because it is not accessible anymore or is not safe. This leads to loneliness. You start to withdraw from all social gatherings, and this leads to a deterioration in your mental health,” she points out.

If you note these signs in your ageing parents or grandparents, take note of it. Try to get involved with them. It is also important to ensure that they have a separate social circle apart from the family. This way, they can have friends who they can also relate to.

With age, suggests Sinha, you are more prone to be depressed, and anxious. “Mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorders are not something that happens when you grow older. You may have been living with these for the last 40 years, but the management differs, she suggests.

As you grow old, your symptoms start to overlap with other mental health conditions. For the proper treatment professionals use differential diagnosis, suggests Sinha. “The lines become blurred and to differentiate the symptoms from one mental health condition to another becomes difficult,” she says.

Preventive Measures
While there are ways like performing brain quizzes and optical illusions to keep your brain functioning, Sinha says that not many studies have been done on it. Thus, it cannot be guaranteed that it will help. However, it surely helps keep your brain active.

There are also food habits like eating leafy vegetables, nuts, fish, virgin coconut and beans that help with brain functions.

Sinha suggests that keeping a social circle and continuing your hobbies can help your mind stay healthy. “Men especially face this issue, after they retire, they feel like they are at the loss of authority, and they start to lose control. It is thus important to keep doing things and learning a new skill to keep your brain active. While for women, since they continue taking care of the house, their brain stays active,” she says.

Cognitive stimulation is the key, especially to managing dementia, she notes.

“Just with weight training, you push your body and after a while, it becomes your muscle memory. Same with the brain. However, one should not get into solving too many puzzles, or trivia after being diagnosed with dementia. Because that would mean you are making your already injured brain exercise which might lead to agitation,” she recommends.

How to support?
It is important to know the ways you can support your ageing parents after they have been diagnosed.

“The most important part is for the caregiver to understand what is happening and come to terms with the conditions. Because the elderly with cognitive conditions are not able to understand, they cannot be told or instructed to do anything. Thus, the responsibility is solely on the caregiver,” points out Sinha.

So, what can be done?

Awareness
Sinha suggests that the caregiver must understand that most cognitive conditions in ageing parents is progressive. “Even if you give your 200%, the condition will progress, you must not blame yourself for it. But you can delay the progression by creating a healthy environment.”

Reach out to therapists and counsellors to know the ways to create such a healthy environment.

Be Patient
With progressive neurological conditions, the capability to communicate also deteriorates. “If you have a million words in your vocabulary, your parents might have a handful. So, it is important to pay attention to their needs,” she says.

She suggests adopting the same approach that you do with kids and with your pets. This is when you focus on gestures, body language and mood over language. Due to cognitive disorders, parents experience a loss of language and the only way to communicate and to understand what they are communicating is through these means.

Be Empathetic
The earliest sign of dementia is short-term memory loss. “This means that your parents may not remember what they had or breakfast or if they had breakfast at all. But they will remember their childhood stories. You may be confused if there is at all a memory loss since they remember old stories, and you might think they are doing this on purpose. But this is not the case,” she says.

Create a healthy environment by agreeing with them and listening to their stories. The responsibility of creating a safe environment is totally with you.

There might be times when your parents may do socially unacceptable or non-compliance behaviour. But it is important to understand the triggers and ensure that the triggers do not occur anymore.

Help Them Stay Fit
It is important that they physically stay well, and do not get any infections or don’t suffer a fall. For that, you can use the help of technology like motion sensors. GPS tracker is another way you can keep a check on them. “There is a tendency of wandering off and being unable to find your way back. In these cases, a GPS tracker can help,” she says.

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From Convenience To A Risky Habit: Why Self-Medication Is Heavily Discouraged

Updated May 5, 2026 | 12:00 AM IST

SummaryThe tracking of antibiotic and steroid sales cannot be compromised. Doctors need to pay attention to their role in patient education.
Self medication

Patients need to move away from the idea of a “pill for every ill” to that of “diagnosis before dose”. (Photo credit: AI generated)

The concept of self-medication in the case of a trivial ailment such as a headache or a small cut is generally considered responsible self-care. Nevertheless, it becomes a matter of public health concern when the process goes through two particular stages. The first of these stages is the “masking of chronic disease." When one uses over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to cover up symptoms of fatigue, acidity, or thirst, he or she ends up masking the symptoms of underlying chronic diseases, which could be type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, for instance. By the time these symptoms are diagnosed, the condition may have caused irreparable damage to organs. Another health problem created due to self-medication is antimicrobial resistance, which poses a danger not only to the individual but also to society as a whole.

What are the risks of making a self-diagnosis?

Dr Vimal Pahuja, MD, Associate Director, Internal Medicine & Metabolic Physician, Diabetes & Weight Management Clinic, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, said, “The most serious complications include those that have no immediate effects and do not trigger pain signals. DILI is a growing concern in India and is a consequence of the persistent abuse of painkillers (NSAIDs) or even some of the herbal supplements available in the market. In the same way, ‘kidney compromise’ results from prolonged consumption of analgesics. Looking at things from the viewpoint of the endocrine system, the frequent consumption of over-the-counter steroids, which are also included in some ‘miracle’ skin creams and supplements, can affect hormones and lead to the development of secondary diabetes.”

Does it help to ‘Google’ symptoms?

Internet searches usually generate confirmation bias, where patients only seek answers that align with what they want to hear. Health-related social media sites and influencers tend to oversimplify medical issues by encouraging bio-hacking. This results in unsafe practices, such as people prescribing themselves advanced metabolic and hormonal treatments without being aware of the contraindications or the need for clinical testing.

Dr Kirti Sabnis, Infectious Diseases Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund & Kalyan, Mumbai, said, “With the growing emphasis on early and accessible diagnosis, more individuals are becoming proactive about understanding their symptoms and lab reports. This has led to a noticeable rise in what clinicians often refer to as ‘Google diagnosis,' where patients arrive with self-researched conclusions based on online information or AI-enabled report analyses.”

Why is accurate diagnosis important?

The expert went on to say that interpreting symptoms and investigations is rarely straightforward. Fever, for instance, is merely a symptom and can stem from a wide range of causes, from infections to non-infectious conditions such as thyroid disorders. While digital tools and AI platforms can analyse reports and suggest possible conditions, they typically rely on common algorithm-based differentials. In some cases, this may lead to alarming or misleading possibilities such as tuberculosis or even cancer, when the underlying issue could be far less serious.

Accurate diagnosis requires more than data interpretation; it demands clinical expertise, physical examination, and years of medical experience to connect symptoms, history, and test results. Over-reliance on online searches can sometimes lead to unnecessary anxiety, delayed diagnosis, or even self-medication, which may complicate the condition further.

The importance of taking time to explain the reasoning behind prescribed medication is essential, especially when informing a patient that an antibiotic cannot cure their flu.

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Scorching Heat, Soaring Risks: How A Heatwave May Fuel Skin Infections

Updated May 4, 2026 | 07:00 PM IST

SummaryDuring the hot days of the month, it is advised to go for cotton fabrics and loose, breathable clothing to dodge skin infections.
skin infections

Excessive sweating and tight clothing combined can lead to skin infections. (Photo credit: AI generated)

When it comes to heatwave-like conditions, most people worry about the risk of dehydration and sunburn. But it turns out that the scorching heat could also take a toll on your skin—according to experts, extreme summer heat can increase the risk of skin infections. Heatwave-related skin infections can be triggered by high humidity, sweat, and bacteria trapped on the skin. Some of the other issues associated with heatwaves are folliculitis, heat rash, impetigo, and yeast infections.

What makes heatwaves conducive to increased skin infections?

Talking about it, Dr. Gitika Sanodia, Consultant Dermatologist at Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, answered some FAQs associated with heatwaves and consequent skin infections.

The expert said that when there is an increase in temperature, there is an increase in sweating, dehydration, and breakdown of the skin barrier, which creates an environment suitable for infection development, mainly in children, the elderly, diabetics, and obese individuals. Heatwaves also cause friction, which leads to skin infections. As a result, rashes can develop and cause a great deal of discomfort.

Can sweating too much increase the risk of infection?

During summer, because of the heat, one ends up sweating far more than normal, and if you are someone who often wears tight clothes, it can be even worse. Overproduction of sweat keeps the skin constantly wet. Such an environment provides perfect conditions for bacteria and fungi to multiply. Being trapped under breast tissue, between the thighs, and in folds around the neck and armpits causes conditions such as yeast infections or folliculitis.

What are the infections associated with heat?

During a heatwave, some skin infections are likely to develop silently. These include:

  1. Fungal infections such as tinea and candidiasis
  2. Bacterial infections such as folliculitis and boils
  3. Heat rash resulting in miliaria

Who is at risk of skin infections during a heatwave?

At a time when temperatures are rising constantly, heatwave-related infections are likely to affect certain groups more than others. These high-risk groups are:

  1. Children
  2. The elderly
  3. Overweight people
  4. People with diabetes
  5. People who wear tight or non-porous clothes during summer

How to prevent heatwave-related skin infections?

In order to prevent heatwave-related skin infections, you need not make major changes to your lifestyle or wardrobe. Rather, some simple, cost-free methods can also do the trick. Here are some expert-recommended tips to beat the heat:

  1. Keep your skin dry, especially skin folds
  2. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes
  3. Bathe after sweating
  4. Do not share towels or undergarments with anyone
  5. Use an antifungal dusting powder on susceptible areas
  6. Keep yourself hydrated

With the increasing number of heatwaves, these problems have become more than just seasonal. However, with the right choices in terms of diet, lifestyle, and clothing, you may be able to avoid skin infections during a heatwave.

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How Ankylosing Spondylitis Goes Beyond Just Chronic Back Pain: Doctors Explain

Updated May 4, 2026 | 05:30 PM IST

SummaryIn India, 16.5 lakh people suffer from ankylosing spondylitis, with an average diagnostic gap of nearly seven years from the time symptoms first appear. During that window, the disease continues to silently progress, and the burden is far from small.
How Ankylosing Spondylitis Goes Beyond Just Chronic Back Pain: Doctors Explain

Create: AI generated image

Persistent back pain in young adults is often dismissed as poor posture, long hours at a desk, or muscle strain. But doctors are warning that in some cases, it could be a sign of ankylosing spondylitis — a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the spine and can silently progress for years before diagnosis.

In India, 16.5 lakh people suffer from the condition, with an average diagnostic gap of nearly seven years from the time symptoms first appear. During that window, the disease continues to silently progress, and the burden is far from small.

“Ankylosing Spondylitis is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions we encounter in clinical practice, and the consequences of that delay are real,” Dr. Arvind Mehra, Senior Director and HOD - Orthopaedics at Paras Health Gurugram, told HealthandMe.

Moreover, “It takes several years of pain and stiffness before people seek treatment, and by then, the diagnosis comes too late, and there has already been damage to the spine,” added Dr. Ashish Tomar, Director - Orthopaedics & Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad.

What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as axial spondyloarthritis, is a type of arthritis that primarily targets the spine but can also affect other joints. The term “ankylosing” means stiff or rigid, “spondyl” refers to the spine, and “itis” indicates inflammation.

The inflammatory disease causes some of the bones in the spine to fuse over time. This fusing not only makes the spine less flexible but can also cause issues while breathing.

Ankylosing spondylitis leads to inflammation in the spine and large joints, causing stiffness and pain. It can also impact the joint between the spine and the hipbone, potentially resulting in additional symptoms such as digestive issues, rashes, and weight loss.

Not Your Typical Back Pain

What makes ankylosing spondylitis difficult to spot is that it often feels like ordinary back pain — but there are warning signs that set it apart.

According to experts, ankylosing spondylitis-related pain typically:

  • Causes maximum stiffness early in the morning
  • Gets worse after long periods of rest
  • Improves with physical activity or exercise
  • Persists for months rather than days or weeks
  • Often begins in young adults, especially in their 20s and 30s

This pattern is very different from mechanical back pain, which usually worsens with movement and improves with rest.

Pain Beyond The Spine

Dr. Tomar told HealthandMe that ankylosing spondylitis is not simply a musculoskeletal problem — it is an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, particularly around the spine and joints.

“Ankylosing spondylitis is not just another musculoskeletal disease. It requires the attention given to autoimmune disorders because it may affect the chest, hips, shoulders, and even the eyes, while also causing severe posture problems in advanced stages,” he said.

Beyond the spine, the disease may affect:

  • Chest joints
  • Hip joints
  • Shoulders
  • Eyes
  • Posture, causing severe problems in the advanced stages

Who Is At Most Risk? How To Treat?

Young adults, typically in their twenties, are more likely to experience this condition because people often overlook its existence or mistakenly identify it as something else.

The combination of early diagnosis, structured physiotherapy, and suitable medications allows for effective disease progression control.

“When a young adult presents with inflammatory back pain, especially in the gluteal area, that persists beyond three months, the reflex should not be to prescribe a painkiller and wait. It should be investigated further. That shift in approach can make an extraordinary difference to someone’s long-term quality of life,” Dr. Tomar said.

Common treatments for ankylosing spondylitis include:

  • Regular physical activity can reduce stiffness and prevent worsening of ankylosing spondylitis
  • Over-the-counter painkillers for pain and inflammation
  • Biologic DMARDs to reduce inflammation and pain, potentially halting disease progression.
  • Corticosteroids are prescription anti-inflammatory medications
  • Surgery is rarely suggested for severe symptoms unresponsive to other treatments.

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