International Day of Older Persons 2025: Health and Dignity — Every Elder’s Right
Dr. Muhammad Mahtab Hossain Mazed
Today, Wednesday, 01 October 2025, marks the 35th International Day of Older Persons. The theme of this year is:
“Once you built the world, today I will build dreams; I will hold you with care, with protection.Across the globe, the elderly population is rising rapidly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050, one in every six people will be over the age of 65. In Bangladesh, the number of elderly citizens is also increasing. At present, there are about 18 million older persons in the country, making up nearly 10 percent of the total population. Experts warn that within the next three decades, this number may cross 30 million.
Elders are the guiding lights of our lives. They are the carriers of experience, wisdom, and social values. But with age comes the risk of physical, mental, and social problems. Therefore, observing the day is not enough; ensuring their health, safety, and dignity is everyone’s responsibility.
Changes with Age
As age advances, the body goes through several natural changes:
1. Decline in strength and stamina: Bones, joints, and muscles weaken, making daily tasks or light exercise difficult.
2. Vision and hearing loss: Blurred eyesight, reduced clarity of colors, and hearing impairment.
3. Increased risk of chronic diseases: Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis are common.
4. Mental changes: Loneliness, memory loss, depression, and stress become more frequent. Alongside physical decline, mental and social issues also grow. Neglect from family, social isolation, or lack of proper care can deeply affect the lives of older persons. Hence, awareness and appropriate care are essential.
Major Health Risks for Older Persons
1. Natural aging changes: Reduced cell activity and slower organ functions.
2. Chronic diseases: Diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, arthritis
3. Malnutrition and digestive problems: Dental issues, indigestion, inadequate nutrition.
4. Sedentary lifestyle: Reduced physical activity and exercise.
5. Mental stress and loneliness: Neglect and isolation.
6. Accidents and injuries: Falls due to imbalance or weak eyesight.
7. Environmental risks: Poor lighting, unsafe floors, unnecessary furniture.
Common Warning Signs
Health and mental issues in the elderly often present as: Fatigue or difficulty walking, Joint pain or stiffness,Blurred vision and poor eyesight,Frequent urination or diabetic symptoms,Memory loss, forgetfulness,Loss of appetite, weight loss,Depression, insomnia, or loneliness,Sudden falls or accidents
Reduced social interaction,These should not be ignored—medical advice should be sought immediately.
Essential Tests and Diagnosis
Regular health check-ups are key to wellbeing. Important tests for older persons include:
Blood tests: Blood sugar, cholesterol, liver and kidney functions
Cardiac screening: ECG or echocardiogram
Bone density test: To detect osteoporosis
Vision and hearing check-ups
Mental health evaluation: To detect dementia, Alzheimer’s, or depression
With regular check-ups, early detection and timely treatment are possible.
Possible Complications in Old Age
Heart attack or stroke
Kidney or liver complications
Fractures and permanent disabilities
Dementia or Alzheimer’s
Depression, stress, and social isolation
Family and society must take active roles to prevent these complications.
Precaution and Prevention
1. Regular check-ups: At least twice yearly for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol.
2. Balanced diet: Vegetables, fruits, pulses, fish; less oil, salt, and sugar.
3. Daily exercise: 30 minutes of walking or light workouts; yoga and balance training.
4. Adequate sleep: 6–7 hours in a calm, comfortable environment.
5. Mental health: Family conversations, hobbies, social activities.
6. Accident prevention: Good lighting, grab-bars, smooth flooring, no clutter.
7. Eye and ear care: Annual check-ups; glasses or hearing aids if needed.
8. Medication awareness: Timely intake, monitoring side effects.
9. Social engagement: Friends, clubs, religious/community activities.
10. Family support: Respect their opinions, involve them in decision-making.
Five Healthy Habits for Older Persons
1. Walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
2. Eat a balanced diet; reduce oil, salt, sugar.
3. Drink enough water and sleep 6–7 hours.
4. Stay active through reading, prayers, hobbies, or social work.
5. Spend time with family—it is the best mental medicine.
Importance of Mental Health and Social Connection
Not just physical health, mental wellbeing is equally important. Effective practices:
Regular family interaction
Participation in social activities with friends
Reading, prayer, meditation
Consulting psychologists in case of stress or depression
Mental stimulation and social bonding lower the risks of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Role of Family and Society
Caring for the elderly is not just medical support; it is a collective responsibility. Families and communities must ensure:
Involvement in decision-making
Love, respect, and dignity
Mental and physical support
Safe, clean, and secure environments
Encouragement to join social activities
Without active support, it is hard to maintain their wellbeing.
Significance of International Day of Older Persons
This day reminds us that caring for elders is not just a moral duty—it reflects the health, values, and future of society. Today’s youth will one day become tomorrow’s elders. Hence, it is our ethical and social obligation to safeguard their health and welfare.
A healthy elderly population makes society stronger, healthier, and more beautiful. Exercise, balanced food, adequate sleep, and emotional support ensure longer and healthier lives for them.
Homeopathic Support for Elderly Health
Homeopathy is a natural and holistic system of medicine that addresses the root causes of illness by enhancing the body’s immunity. With age, physical, mental, and social challenges appear, and homeopathy can help address them.
1. Joint and bone problems: Arthritis, osteoporosis, joint pain
Rhus Toxicodendron, Bryonia Alba, Calcarea Phosphorica
2. Heart and blood pressure:
Crataegus
3. Digestion and metabolism issues: Constipation, diabetes, indigestion
Nux Vomica, Lycopodium Clavatum, Syzygium Jambolanum
4. Vision and hearing decline:
Conium Maculatum
5. Mental stress and memory issues: Depression, anxiety, memory loss
Ignatia Amara, Baryta Carbonica, Gelsemium
6. Sleep and mental calmness:
Coffea Cruda, Pulsatilla
7. Immunity and wellbeing: Strengthens resistance, improves quality of life
Note: Always consult a qualified physician before using homeopathic remedies, especially for chronic heart, kidney, or liver conditions.
Conclusion
With age, both physical and mental problems gradually intensify. Heart, kidney, joints, eyes, and memory-related issues are common among elders. Sometimes slow-progressing diseases or hidden conditions worsen their lives.
Therefore, regular health check-ups, proper nutrition, rest, exercise, and timely medication are essential. Family presence and social bonding are vital for mental health. Loneliness and stress worsen their condition, while love, time, and care bring stability.In our society, it is everyone’s responsibility to respect, protect, and support the elderly. This is not only a moral duty but also a way to build a healthy, humane, and strong society. Respecting the dignity of older persons and making their lives comfortable is our shared obligation. A caring society is always vibrant, humane, and prosperous.
The writer is a Physician, Columnist & Researcher
Founder-Chairman, jatay rogi kallaya Society .He can be reached at Email: drmazed96@gmail.com
