“A busy Monday morning, as I was in my internship days, it was the last days to submit report too, so managing my extra long white apron, sthethoscope and BP apparatus, I hurried through the Ixora plant shrubs. It was important to finish the BP monitoring before the seniors arrive and being late I hurried my steps “Nurse, Can u first come to our room to take B.P as I will be going to kovil /temple”. It was Shanti, bystander of Gopal patient from VIP block. As I entered, I heard Gopal loudly correcting Shanti “She is not Nurse, it’s the duty house surgeon”. I felt bit proud that I got promotion as a Doctor.
“Where you late today?”. I just nodded as the question was felt not to be asked.
“Finish monitoring of vitals before 8 am. It will help you grow professionally. When I was working, I used to follow this.” Gopal replied with the most sweet smile.
“Where you worked sir” I asked as BP cuff’s got tightened.
“I worked as official Doctor of Malaysian Ministry and head of neurology state medical studies.”
In a gasp of air and confusion, I looked over to him as the biggest man of power and moreover doubting my monitoring skills.
Dr. Gopal was the most simplest man in his early 70’s, never can he be assumed with his clothes or style as a carrier of respectable position. He came to seaside hospital in kerala for Parkinsonism treatment. As he saw the symptoms of Parkinsonism in his 50’s he had to quit his profession. As the conditions got worse, his family took an alternative health treatment. He was accompanied with his wife Shanti, a beautiful moreover well groomed lady of 50’s. Their family were Tamil migrants, born and brought up in Malaysia and their children being the 4th generation currently. Shanti had small weight gain and menopausal issues. So she also took treatment for obesity and cosmetic treatment.
Days at hospital passed. One fine day Shanti was seen crying and Gopal was not seen. When asked she pointed to a cycle stand. Being a Parkinsonian patient, his tremors were resisting for a risky cycle pedalling. All hospital staffs rushed, but he was adamant and after long persuation agreed to do a stroll only in hospital premises with a strong back hold. As the evening rang, I visited Shanti alone for her long story She told a 30 years long journey of suffering living with a strict husband. As he grew older, his ego of dependence made him behave worser and that was against her taking cosmetic treatments as he considered it as a way to attract other men.
His proving to be energetic was the one we saw with the cycle. Days following were again worse as Gopal tried to behave like a teenager proving to be his best version and shouting at Shanti for all shortcomings. Her Arthritic pain increased, but still she stopped treatment for a peaceful atmosphere. Fall from cycle and multiple wounds made Gopal to discontinue treatment and return tickets to Malaysia were booked soon. 1 year later, Hospital was informed of sad demise of Dr. Gopal. Another year later, a mail of Shanti returning for treatment was welcomed by all staffs as she was favourite for all therapists. A young, thin Shanti was seen after her dream trekking at Harihar Fort. Once a sobbing housewife, she started living a late beautiful life of her own. Arthritis was manageable for her now, other than a rejuvenation pack she opted no other treatments. A struggle story lived and loved were seen in her sparkling eyes.
As this story ends, Geriatric diseases and its mental effects can be seen as it can change one’s normal behaviour completely. Parkinsonism was best shown in all major movies, but bystanders struggle will be showed more clearly as they will be silent strugglers. Arthritis and movement struggles can contribute more to cardiac issues. This story showed up how freedom and peace in old age can lessen symptoms and make it the most happiest!
Let’s discuss some of Geriatric exercises which can ease your gentle life.
Geriatric exercises aims at 3 things:
BFF (Balance, Flexibility and Fitness)
These three can be established with walking, swimming, Yoga (Chair yoga), Tai chi and resistance training.
Per week 150 minutes of exercise is required to achieve a proper fitness.
But before the start,
- Consult your Doctor: If you have any existing medical condition, please consult your doctor for recommendations.
- Start slowly: Energy and age reversing can be showcased with daily vibrancy. But don’t make you body take loads
- Stay consistent: Fitness can be best achieved when its consistent
- Listen to you body: Observe for body signs and weakness. Stop intermittently
Balance exercises:
- Single leg balance
- Plank
- Side steps
- March in place
- Toe raises
- Squat
- Standing leg circles
These exercise poses can be maintained for 10 minutes or done for 10 rounds.
End of exercise balance walk can be practiced
Balance walk:
Raise your arms to your sides near shoulder height
Select a spot or an object (10 steps away)
Step forward with one foot directly front of another with focus on object
Repeat 8-12 times
Yoga poses like Vrikshasana, Bakasana and Tadasana can also be practised
Cardiac movements
- Walking / jogging
- Chair Yoga / Pilates
- Swimming
- Backyard sports
Yogasanas like bhujangasana, Halasana and Trikonasana can be practiced with caution.
As I finished typing, it was the movie -oh Baby! Charisma of an old woman turning into a charming youth and comparison of both ages in the most beautiful ways was a cooling geriatric story. Let us wish every story end and continue through positive lens & vibes only.
