MENTAL & SOCIAL DIMENSIONS IN GERIATRIC POPULATION: NEED OF THE HOUR

Abstract

Ageing is inevitable; it is a natural phenomenon and has its own dynamics, which is beyond human control. Sir James Sterling Ross commented that “you don’t heal old age, you protect it and you promote it” these are the principles of Preventive Medicine1.The Indian elderly population is currently the second largest in the world2. The proportion of elderly population in India rose from 5.6% in 1961 to 7.5% in 20013 & it will rise to 9% by 20164.