Healthy ageing is possible with periodic health check-ups, exercise, a proper diet, abstaining from alcohol and smoking and keeping one’s weight under control, said V.S. Natarajan, a senior city-based geriatrician.
Dr. Natarajan was speaking at a function organised on Wednesday to release a CD, ‘Mudumaiyai Velvom’, containing 14 books authored by him on medical and social problems faced by senior citizens. He also inaugurated a geriatric immunisation centre at Kauvery Hospital.
“People aged above 50 should immunise themselves against pneumonia. As ageing occurs, immunity levels reduce due to various reasons including diseases and the ageing process itself. Vaccination against pneumonia will give lifelong immunity and should be considered an investment,” he said.
Regular health check-ups can help detect silent diseases, Dr. Natarajan said, adding that the elderly should also learn to live in loneliness, have a positive attitude and save money for the future. He also stressed the importance of consuming millets. Dr. Natarajan said he now plans to write a book on elderly abuse.
Lakshmipathy Ramesh, geriatric specialist at Kauvery Hospital said the immunisation centre will provide vaccinations recommended for the elderly including against pneumonia, influenza, hepatitis B and tetanus.
The CD consists of seven Tamil books and seven English books on topics including: everything you want to know about after 60, elder’s health, mind your mind and healthy nutrition.
P.S. Sachu, member-secretary of Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mantram released the CD. Aravindan Selvaraj, director of Kauvery Hospital, also participated.
