6 tips to deal with ageing parents’ health issues

By Kunāl Majumder

It’s 5:06 am on Christmas Eve. I’m here by my mother’s hospital bed, deciding on her next medication.

Three days ago, I returned from an overseas trip to find that Maa hasn’t been well for days. She had to be rushed to the Emergency and then admitted due to high BP and dangerously low Sodium levels.

This is the first time my mother had to be hospitalized, and for someone who’s always been a mama’s boy, it’s a significant moment. While I’ve taken care of my father during his past illnesses, this feels different. Both my parents, now in their late 60s and 70s, require close medical attention.

This incident has prompted me to reflect on my life priorities and how much has changed in the last few years. I used to be carefree, often neglecting my parents’ needs as I pursued adventures in youth and career. As I approach the fourth decade of my life in less than two months, I realize it should revolve around my parents and ensuring a good life for them.

Much of my life’s joys and experiences, I owe to my parents. I cherish memories of my vulnerable childhood when they cared for me, and now it’s my duty and desire to reciprocate that care during their vulnerable days.

As Wordsworth aptly put it, “A child is the father of the man.” Certain values instilled by parents endure for a lifetime.

Here are some tips for those of us with elderly parents:

1) Ensure your parents have health insurance right from the start of your career. Many parents may not have prioritized their health while dedicating their lives and resources to their children. It’s our responsibility to ensure proper health planning as they age.

2) Familiarize yourself with your ageing parents’ medical history. Answering specific questions during their illness can be challenging, as I experienced with my mother.

3) Monitor your parents’ diet, just as parents track their children’s eating habits. In Eastern cultures, dietary practices linked with religion may not always be healthy. Additionally, relying on homegrown remedies during emergencies might not be a comprehensive solution.

4) Address the health hazard of disinformation. I’ve observed my father depending on WhatsApp messages and uninformed articles for medical advice. It’s crucial to promote media literacy, especially regarding medical information, among our parents. Convincing them that doctors with years of study and practice can’t be replaced by WhatsApp forwards or random health websites is essential.

5) Stay in regular contact with your parents, even if you don’t live with them. Visit as often as possible to stay informed about their activities and what’s happening in their lives.

6) Schedule annual health check-ups to stay informed about potential medical issues and address concerns before they escalate.

(This article was first published in LinkedIn.com.)

Read: What do you tell your parents as they start ageing and their dependency grows