Mysore/Mysuru: A health talk was organised by the Elder Citizens Council in Jayalakshmipuram recently at Saraswathi Community Centre. Dr. Prathiba Pereira, Professor and Head of Geriatrics at JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, spoke about the science of geriatrics.

The focus was on how elderly individuals can maintain sound health through disciplined lifestyle practices without solely relying on medications. Dr. Prathiba Pereira explained that geriatrics as a science that involves adopting disciplined health habits and lifestyle suitable for one’s age to minimise the need for medications.

She described geriatrics as the external manifestation of declining physiology in chronological order of biological ageing, emphasising the importance of addressing internal ageing with varying health conditions from person to person.

Factors such as brain function, body mobility, digestive issues, and sleep problems were highlighted as crucial aspects that, if properly managed, can help prevent conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure and heart ailments.

Dr. Pereira also noted that ageing can be influenced by comorbidities, degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, reduced emotions and worries associated with personal problems.

She stressed that medications alone cannot be the solution for geriatrics. Instead, a sustained and disciplined adoption of healthy habits plays a crucial role in overcoming most age-related ailments.

Dr. Sai Harsha, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at JSS College of Pharmacy emphasised the rational use of medicines. He advised consulting a physician before taking any medications and discouraged self-medication practices, underlining that this approach improves the overall quality of life in the long run.

The programme was presided over by Dr. H.M. Nagaraju, President of the Elder Citizens Council. ECC Trust Secretary K.S. Krishna extended a warm welcome and Prof. Javare Gowda proposed the vote of thanks.

ECC Trust Chairman Gowdappa, Dr. Ramachandre Gowda, Venkateshaiah, K.V. Ramanath, Sridhar, Suseela Mari Gowda, D.R. Srinivas and others were present.