Skip to main content

Alternative Interventions for Fortifying Health of the Indian Elderly

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

Worldwide societies are experiencing rapid increase in the number and proportion of the elderly (60 years and above). This may be considered as a result of improved healthcare facilities but it also poses a major challenge for healthcare professionals. Majority of the elderly population suffers from a variety of physical, psychological and social problems and challenges. This requires manifold interventions. Despite usual healthcare strategies, active and alternative interventions like social support, interaction with the community, yoga and exercise, spirituality and religion, and technology etc. may play a vital role in managing the lives of the elderly. These interventions not only reduce the physical, psychological and social burden, but also help fortifying health and well-being of the elderly.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Amaranath, B., Nagendra, H. R., & Deshpande, S. (2016). Effect of integrated Yoga module on positive and negative emotions in Home Guards in Bengaluru: A wait list randomized control trial. International Journal of Yoga, 9, 35–43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anand, J. (2004). Working through emotional pain: A narrative study of healing process. Psychological Studies, 49, 185–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anand, J., Srivastava, A., & Dalal, A. K. (2001). Where suffering ends and healing begins. Psychological Studies, 46, 114–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anjana, R., & Raju, S. (2002). Psychological functioning of Bhagavad Gita reciters. Psychological Studies, 47, 159–161.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aruna, G. (1998). Mental health in being-becoming a paradox: JidduKrishnamurthi. Behavioural Medicine Journal, 1, 10–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barusch, A. S. (1999). Religion, adversity and age: Religious experiences of low-income elderly women. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 26, 125–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhawuk, D. P. S. (2000). Who attains peace? An Indian model of personal harmony. In J. Prakash & G. Misra (Eds.), Towards a culturally relevant psychology (pp. 40–48). Agra: Agra Psychological Research Cell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Birren, J. E., & Cunningham, W. (1985). Research on the psychology of aging: Principles, concepts and theory. In J. E. Birren & K. W. Schaie (Eds.), Handbook of the psychology of aging (pp. 3–34). New York: Van Nostrand.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bose, A. B., & Gangrade, K. D. (Eds.). (1988). The aging in India: Problems and potentials. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brennan, M. (2002). Spirituality and psychosocial development in middle-age and older adults with vision loss. Journal of Adult Development, 9, 31–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cabassa, L. J. (2007). Latino immigrant men’s perceptions of depression and attitudes toward help seeking. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 29, 492–509.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chodzko-Zajko, W., Schwingel, A., & Park, C. H. (2009). Successful aging: The role of physical activity. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 3, 20–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Danhauer, S. C., Addington, E. L., Sohl, S. J., Chaoul, A., & Cohen, L. (2017). Review of yoga therapy during cancer treatment. Supportive Care in Cancer, 25, 1357–1372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeBruin, E., Formsma, A. R., Frijstein, G., & Bogels, S. M. (2017). Mindful to work: Effects of combined physical exercise, yoga and mindfulness meditation for stress relieve in employees. Mindfulness, 8, 204–217.

    Google Scholar 

  • Desai, K. G. (1988). The aged and the society. In A. B. Bose & K. D. Gangrade (Eds.), The aged in India: Problems and potentialities. New Delhi: Abhinav Publication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dhar, H. L. (1997). Health and ageing. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, 51, 373–377.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dhillon, P. K., & Singh, S. (2005). Adjustment of women retirees: Role of health, social support, leisure activities, stress level and demographic variables. Journal of Personality and Clinical Studies, 21, 61–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubey, S., & Choyal, T. (2012). Liesue: Effect on health ageing. Indian Journal of Gerontology, 26, 414–423.

    Google Scholar 

  • Easwaramoorthy, M., & Chadha, N. K. (1997). Quality of life of the elderly in Tamil Nadu. In N. K. Chadha (Ed.), Aging and the aged: Challenges before Indian gerontology. New Delhi: Friends Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jain, S. (2003). Effect of preksha meditation on anxiety and operational efficiency of young convicts. Psychological Studies, 48, 82–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jamuna, D. (2004). The statics and dynamics of elder care in the Indian context. In P. V. Ramamurti & D. Jamuna (Eds.), Handbook on Indian gerontology (pp. 208–242). New Delhi: Serial Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jamuna, D., & Ramamurti, P. V. (2000). Burnout among the caregivers of disabled elderly: Effect of intervention. Psychological Studies, 45, 150–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kakar, S. (2003). Psychoanalysis and eastern spiritual healing traditions. Journal of Analytical Psychology, 48, 659–678.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kapur, R. L. (2008). Another way to live. New Delhi: Penguin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keyes, C. L. M., & Reitzes, D. C. (2007). The role of religious identity in the mental health of older working and retired adults. Aging and Mental Health, 11, 434–443.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khurana, A. (1996). Effect of vipassana meditation on quality of life of undertrials. Paper presented at national seminar “Quality of life in changing socio-cultural milieu” held at University of Delhi, South Campus, New Delhi, April 12–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiran Kumar, S. K., & Raj, A. (1999). Ahamkara and ego functions among meditators and normals. Journal of Indian Psychology, 17, 46–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koenig, H. G. (2007). Religion and depression in older medical inpatients. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 15, 282–291.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koenig, H. G., McCullough, M. E., & Larson, D. B. (2001). Handbook of religion and health. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Krause, N. (2009). Lifetime trauma, prayer, and psychological distress in late life. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 19, 55–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, S. V. (2003). Economics, health and social networks. In P.S. Liebig & S. I. Rajan (Eds.), An aging India: Perspectives, prospects and policies. New York: The Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lalitha, K., & Jamuna, D. (2004a). Memory status in the Indian elderly. In P. V. Ramamurti & D. Jamuna (Eds.), Handbook on Indian gerontology (pp. 328–368). New Delhi: Serial Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lalitha, K., & Jamuna, D. (2004b). Memory status in the elderly and its correlates: An intervention study. Indian Journal of Gerontology, 18, 151–158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawrence, V., Banerjee, S., Bhugra, D., Sangha, K., Turner, S., & Murray, J. (2006). Coping with depression in later life: A qualitative study of help-seeking in three ethnic groups. Psychological Medicine, 36, 1375–1383.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mickus, M. A., & Luz, C. C. (2002). Tele-visits: Sustaining long distance family relationships among institutionalized elders through technology. Aging & Mental Health, 6, 387–396.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mutharayappa, R., & Bhat, T. N. (2008). Is lifestyle influencing morbidity among elderly? Journal of Health Management, 10, 203–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Newport, F. (2006). Religion most important to blacks, women, and older American. Retrived from http://news.gallup.com/poll/25585/religion-most-important-blacks-women-older-americans.aspx.

  • Pargament, K. I. (1997). The psychology of religion and coping: Theory, research and practice. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, D. R. (1994). Ageing and the implications for services: Formal and informal support systems, accommodation and services. In C. R. Ramachandran & B. Shah (Eds.), Public health implications of aging in India (pp. 148–163). New Delhi: ICMR.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prabhu, P. H. (1954). Hindu social organisation. Bombay: Popular Book Depot.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rajagopal, D., MacKenzie, E., Bailey, C., & Lavizzo-Mourey, R. (2002). The effectiveness of a spiritually-based intervention to alleviate subsyndromal anxiety and minor depression among older adults. Journal of Religion and Health, 41, 153–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramamurti, P. V. (2004). Psychosocial aspects of ageing in India. In P. V. Ramamurti & D. Jamuna (Eds.), Handbook on Indian gerontology (pp. 268–327). Delhi: Serials Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramamurti, P. V., & Jamuna, D. (1992). Aged in developing India. Aging and Society: The Indian Journal of Gerontology, 4, 1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rao, A. P. (2000). Kind of supports requires in different kinds of elderly. Paper presented at the Asia–sub regional seminar for social security for elderly. Social Security Association of India, New Delhi.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rastogi, A. (1996). Spiritual values to cope with ageing. In V. Kumar (Ed.), Aging: Indian perspective and global scenario (pp. 230–237), New Delhi: AIIMS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reddy, L. K. (1996a). Health and attitude towards health among elderly. In V. Kumar (Ed.), Aging: Indian perspective and global scenario (pp. 231–234), New Delhi.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reddy, L. K. (1996b). Factors influencing attitude towards health among rural elderly. In I. Chakravarty (Ed.), Life in twilight years (pp. 343–349). Calcutta: Kwality Book House.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reddy, L. K., & Ramamurti, P. V. (1995). Health behaviour among the elderly in India. In Proceedings of Asia/Oceania Regional Congress of Gerontology, Hong Kong.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richards, P. S., & Bergin, A. (1997). A spiritual strategy for counseling and psychotherapy. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Savita, V., & Darshan, S. (1999). Factors affecting health of aged. The Indian Journal Gerontology, 9, 21–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shah, B. (2004). Health care delivery systems of the elderly. In P. V. Ramamurti & D. Jamuna (Eds.), Handbook on Indian gerontology (pp. 96–116). Delhi: Serials Publications,

    Google Scholar 

  • Shah, B., & Prabhakar, A. K. (1996). Healthcare for the elderly. ICMR Bulletin, 26, 33–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma, S. (2004). Sustaining and enhancing well-being/health of Indian students: The role of certain spiritual or religious oriented interventions. In D. K. Bhattacharjee (Ed.), Psychology in Indian traditions: Implications for education. NCERT: New Delhi.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, S. (2006). Perceived health among women retirees. Psychological studies, 51, 166–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, S. (2008). Psychosocial factors shaping adjustment during widowhood. Psychological Studies, 53, 298–302.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, S., & Chao, D. (2016). What makes elderly healthy? An Empirical inquiry into psycho-social dynamics. Journal of Indian Health Psychology, 10, 90–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, R. R. (1993). Welfare system and psycho-social supports for the aged. In Proceedings of National Seminar on Ageing Scenario in India by 2001 A.D. New Delhi: Help Age and Care India.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinha, D. (1984). Community as a target: A new perspective to research in prosocial behaviour. In E. Staub, D. Bar-Tal, J. Karylowski, & J. Reykowski (Eds.), Development and maintenance of prosocial behaviour: International perspective on positive morality (pp. 445–455). New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinha, S. P. (1999). Role of social supports in alleviating residential crowding stress among elderly. Indian Journal of Gerontology, 13, 105–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siva Raju, S. (2000). Ageing in India: An overview. In M. Desai & S. Raju (Eds.), Gerontological social work in India. Delhi: B. R. Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, T. S. (2001). Religion and spirituality in the science and practice of health psychology. In T. H. Plante & A. C. Sherman (Eds.), Faith and health: Psychological perspectives (pp. 335–400). New York: The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sridevi, K., & Krishna Rao, P. V. (1996). Yoga practice and menstrual distress. Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology, 22, 47–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stephens, A., Towers, A., & Stevenson, B. (2011). The effects of types of social networks: Perceived social support, and loneliness on the health of older people. Journal of Aging Health, 23, 887–911.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, E. (1997). A psychology of spiritual healing. Pennsylvania: Chrysalies Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, R. J., Chatters, L. M., & Jackson, J. S. (2007). Religious and spiritual involvement among older African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and non-Hispanic Whites: Findings from the National Survey of American Life. Journal of Gerontology, 62, 238–250.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tiwari, S. C., & Pandey, N. M. (2012). The Indian concepts of lifestyle and mental health in old age. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55, 82–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Umadevi, A. (1991). Study of disability in old age and perception of social support. Master’s Dissertation. S.V. University, Tirupati.

    Google Scholar 

  • Umadevi, T. (2002). Psychosocial correlates of disability among the aged. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation. S.V. University, Tirupati.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ushasree, S. (2000). Perceptions of social support among the aged women. Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology, 26, 115–118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Pas, S., & Koopman-Boyden, P. (2007). Leisure and recreation activities and well-being among older New Zealanders. In P. Koopman-Boyden & C. Waldegrave (Eds.), Enhancing well-being in an ageing society: 65–84 year old New Zealanders in 2007 (pp. 117–132). Retrieved from University of Waikato Website.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vance, D. E. (2006). Spirituality and living and aging with HIV: A pilot study. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 19, 57–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verma, S. K., & Pershad, D. (1996). Self-help groups and cognitive retraining in the elderly. Research and Development Journal (Help Age India), 3(1), 28–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vink, D., Aartsen, M. J., & Schoevers, R. A. (2008). Risk factors for anxiety and depression in the elderly: A review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 106, 29–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Willigen, J. V., & Chadha, N. K. (2003). Social networks of old people in India: Research and policy. In P. S. Liebig & S. Irudaya Rajan (Eds.), An aging India: Perspectives, prospects and policies (pp. 109–124). New York: The Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yahaya, N., Momtaz, Y. A., Hamid, T. A., & Abdullah, S. S. (2013). Social support and psychological well-being among older Malay women in Peninsular Malaysia. Indian Journal of Gerontology, 27, 320–332.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoon, D. P., & Lee, E.-K. O. (2007). The impact of religiousness, spirituality, and social support on psychological well-being among older adults in rural areas. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 48, 281–298.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, J.-G., Ishikawa-Takata, K., Yamazaki, H., Morita, T., & Ohta, T. (2006). The effects of Tai Chi Chuan on physiological function and fear of falling in the less robust elderly: An intervention study for preventing falls. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 42, 107–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shyodan Singh .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer (India) Pvt. Ltd., part of Springer Nature

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Singh, S., Misra, I. (2018). Alternative Interventions for Fortifying Health of the Indian Elderly. In: Misra, G. (eds) Psychosocial Interventions for Health and Well-Being. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-3782-2_12

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics