All over the world life expectancy has risen, leading to a sharp rise in the number of older persons. As per the UN projections, globally the percentage of people over 60 is rapidly increasing and will reach 29% (of the total population) by the year 2025. This century’s biggest achievement is longevity. Geriatric population explosion is rapidly engulfing developing countries. India is no exception.
In India, elderly population is estimated to be 300.96 million by 2051 (12% of total population) as compared to 75.93 millions in 2001 census.
Homeopathy is one of the most frequently used forms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine across the world. Homeopathy has been established for about 200 years by a German Physician named Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the ‘principle of similars'. Highly diluted preparations of substances that cause symptoms in healthy individuals are used to stimulate healing reactions in patients who display similar symptoms when ill.
Homeopathy believes in treating patients holistically, medications are specific to the individual, rather than diseases.
Homeopathy is a safe effective and scientific system of Medicine accepted in over five continents of the world and today is one of the leading alternative medicine systems of the world.
Homeopathic Medicines are Safe and non toxic, they have no danger of overdose; Medicines are not addictive, easy to preserve, less expensive in comparison to conventional regimes. In acute and chronic disease, whether the symptoms are physical, mental, or emotional, Homeopathy produces subtle, yet often dramatic, healing. From newborns to elder peoples, most people can benefit from homeopathy.
Homeopathy is not a cure-all system of medicine & it does not reject the great discoveries of Modern Medical Science; but only its commercial abuse.
Homoeopath is more concerned with the sick individual and his sickness rather than the mere names of diseases. Thus, great success & curative actions have been possible in patients suffering from allergies, Cancers & various auto-immune disorders. People suffering from common infections tend to get rid of their recurrence when treated Homeopathically because their immune system is strengthened. In other diseases Homoeopathy can prevent unnecessary surgery (e.g. In cases of Piles, Fissure, Tonsillitis, Calculi etc) provided these have not grown beyond the capability of the patient's immune system or have created undesirable mechanical pressure or very gross pathology, which needs surgical intervention. Even in frank surgical cases, homeopathic medicines can help lessen post-operative shock & hasten healing & recovery.
Homeopathy's relevance in this day & age is far greater, as man is tampering with the body's capacity to fight disease by leading an unhealthy lifestyle, abusing the body with stress, unhealthy food and drinks and pill popping mentality. Homeopathy is effective in treating a wide range of diseases from acute inflammations to raging epidemics, from chronic degenerative illness to deep-seated mental and emotional disturbances and, it is safe, non-toxic, gentle, and cost-effective. A recent study conducted in Europe, concluded that the severity of the complaints consistently demonstrated substantial improvements following homeopathic treatment, which were maintained through 24 months of follow up and homeopathic medical therapy may play a beneficial role in the long-term care of older adults with chronic diseases.
Homeopathy fulfils all the parameters required for being an ideal system of medicine for Geriatric care. Also the cost effectiveness of homoeopathy is much more compared to all other systems of medicine. This can be a great help to the elderly, who already have depleted source of income. It can serve as a great alternative medicine therapy for the healthcare concerns of the elderly.