Caring for the Elderly this Diwali

The four-day celebration on Diwali illumines and brightens the whole country. Sometimes, we get so occupied in the festival gala that we forget about the elderly who need our love and special care on Diwali. Diwali is the time to seek blessings from the elderly. So, here are some ways to take care for the elderly.

Protect them from Air Pollution

Seniors face new set of challenges during Diwali. Make sure that elderly people stay away from those places with high concentration of fumes. This becomes even more important if they are suffering from any respiratory problem such as asthma, pulmonary diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, common cold, pneumonia and allergic bronchitis.

Talk to the doctor about how to be prepared with an increased pollution on Diwali. Your doctor may increase medicinal intake during this period. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, etc. present in firecrackers can make breathing even more cumbersome for them. Therefore, keep medications, nebulizers and inhalers handy.

Pollutants and dust takes more than three days to settle down. Therefore, it is equally important to take care of the elderly post Diwali as well. People with problem of central nervous system, heart and lung are affected more by dust.

Protect them from Noise Pollution

Results of a study revealed that there was significant increase in decibel (db)levels. Sound level during festivals goes up from 50-60 db to 90-100db and the crackers in Diwali takes it up to 115-120db.

Noise pollution has different impact on every individual. Elder people are at high risk of health hazards linked to excessive noise pollution. The common impacts of noise pollution during Diwali include:

• tiredness
• headache
• impaired visual acuity
• loss of appetite
• impact on sleep

Annoyance, hypertension and stress are some of the possible psychological consequences of noise. Have patience even if your parents and grandparents become irritable.

The above stated problems are usually temporary and wear- off with time but the elder people should take special precautions. Increased noise level trigger heart problem by elevating the blood pressure.

If you have an older person in your house then make sure that you go out of house to burst crackers. Elders must have minimum exposure to noise and pollution during and post Diwali.

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