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

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

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?

“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

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

Be Patient

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

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

Delhi, on Wednesday morning, woke up to 'very poor' air. The visibility was low and, in fact, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for dense fog between 8.30am and 10am. Visibility remained low, and as per the 24-hour average Air Quality Index, Delhi stood at 384, as confirmed by the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In certain areas, including Anand Vihar, AQI remained under 'severe' level, at 452.

This has resulted in cancellation of t least 148 flights and over 150 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport.

However, there may be a silver lining, in an interview with TOI, Tarun Kumar Pithode, who took charge as the new full-time member secretary of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said that Delhi can expect "more blue-sky days over next 3-4 years".

How Does The Commission for Air Quality Management Plan To Bring Delhi's Pollution Down?

Delhi’s fight against air pollution is set to intensify over the next few years, with the CAQM outlining a multi-pronged plan aimed at delivering “more blue-sky days” for the capital. Rather than relying on emergency measures alone, the strategy focuses on long-term, structural fixes across transport, industry, energy and regional coordination.

Cutting Emissions at the Source

One of CAQM’s core priorities is reducing pollution from vehicles, which remain a major contributor to Delhi’s poor air quality. The plan pushes for faster adoption of electric vehicles, tighter checks on polluting commercial vehicles, and a stronger public transport network. Scrapping old, high-emission vehicles and discouraging diesel use through stricter enforcement are seen as key steps to curb everyday emissions, not just during winter spikes.

Cleaning Up Industry and Power Generation

Industrial pollution is another major target. CAQM has stressed a shift away from coal and other dirty fuels toward cleaner energy sources. Industries operating in and around Delhi are being pushed to adopt cleaner fuels such as natural gas, along with better emission-control technologies. Power plants in the region are also under scrutiny, with stricter norms to ensure they do not become pollution hotspots during peak winter months.

Tackling Dust and Construction Pollution

Construction dust and road dust significantly worsen Delhi’s air quality, especially during dry months. CAQM’s plan includes stricter enforcement of dust-control norms at construction sites, better mechanised road sweeping, and regular water sprinkling on major roads. Authorities are also being asked to improve urban planning to reduce exposed soil and unpaved areas that contribute to dust pollution.

Managing Seasonal Pollution and Stubble Burning

A major part of Delhi’s pollution problem comes from outside the city, particularly crop residue burning in neighboring states. CAQM has emphasized regional coordination, working with states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to reduce stubble burning. This includes promoting alternative methods for crop residue management, providing financial incentives, and ensuring accountability when violations occur.

Data-Driven and Year-Round Action

Unlike earlier approaches that focused largely on winter emergencies, CAQM’s plan relies on year-round monitoring and data-driven action. Expanded air-quality monitoring, better forecasting, and early interventions are expected to prevent pollution levels from spiralling out of control. The aim is to move from reactive crisis management to consistent prevention.

A Long Road Ahead

CAQM officials acknowledge that Delhi’s pollution problem will not disappear overnight. However, with coordinated action across sectors and states, they believe the capital can see steady improvement over the next three to four years. The promise of more blue-sky days hinges not just on policy, but on strict enforcement and sustained public cooperation.

While December arrives with celebrations, food and social gatherings, it is also the time when seasonal illnesses quietly begin to surface. Colds, lingering coughs and flu tend to spread more easily in colder weather, often catching people off guard just as the new year begins. For those hoping to avoid starting January feeling unwell, there are simple steps that can be taken ahead of time.

A pharmacist has urged people to prepare early by stocking up on essential remedies, saying that being organised can help manage symptoms quickly and reduce unnecessary visits to the doctor. According to him, early action makes winter illnesses far easier to handle.

Why Pharmacists Say Preparation Matters Before January

Pharmacists say the key to getting through winter comfortably is preparation before cold and flu season reaches its peak. Keeping a well-stocked medicine cupboard means symptoms can be treated as soon as they appear, without the stress of searching for supplies while already feeling ill.

“Preparation really is half the battle,” said pharmacist Frederick Apenteng from Roseway Labs. “Once you’re unwell, the last thing you want is to be running around looking for paracetamol or trying to buy a thermometer. That’s often when people feel worse than they need to.”

Medicines To Get Ready For Winter Flu

Frederick stresses that starting with the basics is essential. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen help manage fever, aches and general discomfort. Throat lozenges or sprays can ease soreness, while keeping two types of cough medicine at home is helpful. One should be an expectorant for chesty coughs, and the other a suppressant for dry, irritating coughs.

The Basics Every Household Should Have

Blocked noses are another common winter complaint, and decongestants can provide quick relief. However, Frederick warns they should not be used for more than five days. For longer-term congestion, saline nasal sprays are a safer option.

Other useful items include rehydration sachets, tissues, hand sanitiser, and honey and lemon for comfort. A digital thermometer allows you to keep track of fever, while vapour rubs or a humidifier can help ease breathing when congestion strikes.

Why Nutrition and Rest Matter for Immunity

Beyond medicines, Frederick highlights the role of nutrition in keeping the immune system strong. “People often feel run down because they’re missing key nutrients,” he explained. “Iron, B vitamins and vitamin C all play important roles in supporting immune defences.”

Eating foods rich in these nutrients, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits and whole grains, can make a noticeable difference. “The biggest immunity boosters are actually sleep, proper nutrition and staying hydrated,” he added.

A Little Planning Now Can Prevent Bigger Problems Later

Preparing in advance can ease both physical discomfort and mental stress. “Having your winter kit ready means you can act quickly at the first sneeze,” Frederick said. “That can stop symptoms from getting worse and helps keep you out of the GP waiting room.”

In short, early rest, basic treatment and preparation can help people move through winter with fewer disruptions.

Be Cautious With Cold and Flu Medicines

While home remedies can be helpful, it is important not to overuse certain products. In some cases, taking too many cold and flu medicines can cause serious problems, including accidental overdose, liver or kidney damage, and rebound congestion.

Always follow dosage instructions carefully and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure. Frederick also cautions against prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays. Using them for more than a few days can trigger a rebound effect, where nasal passages become more blocked than before. This condition is known as rhinitis medicamentosa.

Staying informed, prepared and cautious can make all the difference during the winter months.

If you managed to stay healthy this festive season, chances are you still know at least a couple of people who did not. In the days before Christmas and in the weeks that followed, a so-called “mystery virus” has been moving rapidly across the UK.

Many people have reported coughing, sneezing, blocked or runny noses, and in some cases stomach-related problems too. So what exactly is behind this wave of illness? Ian Budd, lead prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, has explained which virus is currently spreading widely across the country and what steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your family. He also sheds light on its incubation period.

What Is Adenovirus?

Adenoviruses refer to a large family of viruses that can trigger infections ranging from mild to more serious, affecting different parts of the body. Most often, adenovirus targets the respiratory tract. The symptoms can closely resemble those of a cold or flu. In the majority of cases, adenovirus infections are mild and can be managed with basic care focused on easing symptoms.

Adenovirus Incubation Period

The incubation period for adenovirus usually falls between 2 and 14 days. For many people, signs such as fever, a sore throat, or coughing tend to appear around five or six days after coming into contact with the virus, although this can differ from person to person. Adenovirus spreads easily through droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes, by touching contaminated surfaces, or through fecal-oral transmission. It is highly contagious, particularly in crowded settings, and people may continue to shed the virus even after they start feeling better, according to the National Institute of Health.

One reason the virus appears to be everywhere right now is winter behaviour. Colder weather keeps people indoors for longer periods, increasing close contact with others who may already be unwell.

Ian explained, “With COVID-19 restrictions no longer in place and fewer people being exposed to common viruses over the last few years, overall immunity in the community may be lower. That makes people more vulnerable now.

“Adenovirus itself is not new. It is simply appearing more frequently at the same time as other winter illnesses.”

Adenovirus Symptoms

If you suspect you may have adenovirus, the most common symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headaches or body aches
• Shortness of breath, which is less common

Other possible signs:

• Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, causing red, watery, gritty-feeling eyes
• Ear infections, particularly among children
• Digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea with certain strains

Who Do Adenoviruses Affect?

Adenoviruses can infect people at any age, but they are especially common in children under the age of five. In babies and young children, the virus often spreads in daycare settings, where close contact is unavoidable. Young children are also more likely to put shared objects in their mouths and are less consistent about handwashing.

Among adults, adenoviruses tend to spread in crowded living conditions. Those who spend time in dormitories or military housing may face a higher risk. The virus can also circulate easily in hospitals and nursing homes.

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill if they contract adenovirus. This group includes individuals who have undergone stem cell or organ transplants, as well as those living with cancer or HIV/AIDS. Those with existing heart or lung conditions also face a higher risk of severe infection.