1ST CITY CLINICAL HOSPITAL

Every year, the International Day of Older Persons is celebrated on the first day of October. This holiday is celebrated as a tribute of deep respect and gratitude to the older generation. It is difficult to imagine the existence of humanity without older people, rich in the joy of success and the sorrow of experiences, wisdom and great experience of past years, which underlies any society. Elderly people are the link between generations.

According to the classification of the World Health Organization, a person’s age is divided into several periods: up to 44 years old is considered young, 45-59 is considered middle-aged, 60-74 is considered elderly, 75-89 is considered senile, people 90-100 and older are long-livers. We usually call those who have reached retirement age the elderly. Currently, the aging of society covers almost the entire world - an increase in the proportion of elderly and old people. This is explained not only by an increase in life expectancy, but also by a change in public opinion, which is increasingly inclined to see unrealized potential in later life. Society's attitude towards older people is one of the indicators of the level of social development of the state.

The autumn of life, which is what old age is called, should be comfortable and this needs to be taken care of in advance. If frailty scares you, invest in your own health and self-development. If you are afraid of poverty, do not count on a pension or someone’s help, but accumulate capital during your working age. And the main thing is to take responsibility for your own destiny.

Aging is a multifaceted, complex and inevitable process. It is impossible to prevent it, but it can be slowed down. To do this, you must follow the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle:

• rational nutrition (reducing the consumption of salt, animal fats, strong coffee and tea, increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits, foods rich in fiber, fish and seafood);
• sufficient physical activity;
• body weight control;
• taking vitamin and mineral complexes;
• not abusing alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks;
• to give up smoking;
• maintaining life optimism and an emotionally balanced state.

On the International Day of Older Persons, special attention is drawn to the problems of single pensioners, elderly disabled people and low-income citizens. Issues of providing them with medical, material and social assistance are under constant state control.