Geriatrics

Anaemia is a common disorder in older individuals. The prevalence of anaemia increases with age to over >20% in persons aged 65 years and over1. The aim of the present study was to analyse the prevalence rate of anaemia, and evaluate the various underlying causes, the haematological profile and types of anaemia in elder patients. A total of 82 subjects of age 65yrs and above were included in our study. Laboratory profiles along with various clinical conditions were collected to analyse the underlying cause. Majority of patients had Mild anaemia with a normocytic sub categorization. Pallor was the most common symptom, found in our study. The various underlying causes found were fever, renal problem, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, COPD, tuberculosis, etc. Identifying anaemia as an important aspect of a -comprehensive geriatric assessment is absolutely essential further to clinical detection. Confirming the type of anaemia is critical to direct the investigation for profiling the etiology since it is well known that the treatment of anaemia goes a long way in improving the overall outcome and quality of life.

Role of Ghiza (Diet) in health and disease is accepted in Unani system of medicine since thousand years. Hippocrates (BC 460-370) elaborated the importance of Makul (diet) for healthy life according to age. This concept said that diet becomes Badal Ma Tahallul (wear of tear). It plays an important role in maintaining the harmony of Akhlat Arba (four humors). In the old age, one should be careful about schedule and quantity of Ghiza. Legend Unani philosophers and physicians had given attention towards its essentiality to save and promote the health of elders. They elaborated types and Mizaj (temprament), as well as quantity of Ghiza systematically. Unani scholars recommended specific diet in specific seasons, ages and in specific diseases. This review article aims at surveying the classical unani literature to explore the diet and its essentiality in elderly.