Addressing the increase in non-communicable diseases in growing populations: How can it be managed?

Team Udayavani, Jul 11, 2023, 9:11 AM IST

Representative image (Source: Pexels)

The growing population as well as an increase in life expectancy has resulted in a population that lives longer. This translates to a larger geriatric (older) population in the whole world. As people live longer, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increases because most of these diseases are associated with ageing. The most common non-communicable diseases include diabetes; cardiovascular diseases – hypertension and high cholesterol; neurological disorders as well as musculoskeletal diseases – degenerative joint conditions; among others.

How to Manage Non-Communicable Diseases in Growing Populations?

Various aspects encompass the effective management of non-communicable diseases which include lifestyle management (including diet, healthy weight, exercise, and good sleep hygiene), regular health check-ups, and adult vaccinations.

Lifestyle Management:

The best way to address non-communicable diseases is by following a proper lifestyle. This includes adopting a healthy, nutritious diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fibre. Regular exercise is another crucial aspect that helps in leading a healthy life and thus must be incorporated intodaily routines. The other things that are equally important to maintain our overall health include prioritizing good quality sleep and relaxation techniques to control the way we think, and how we relax. Sleep promotes good mental health, and a healthy and relaxed mind is very important to prevent non-communicable diseases.

Regular Health Screening:

Periodic health check-ups for blood pressure, blood sugar,cholesterol levels, and musculoskeletal diseases can help in detecting these diseases in their early onset when they can easily be managed. Particularly, the elderly population should regularly undergo health screenings to help any problem get identified early and prevented from further complications. In addition, there are guidelines in place that advocate for regular screenings for various cancers, such as prostate and breast cancers for all adults.

On-time Vaccinations:

Vaccinations as a part of preventive healthcare also help maintain good health as we grow older. The elderly population is highly susceptible to influenza and other common respiratory illnesses, and thus vaccinations such as pneumonia and flu shots when there is an outbreak can help them avoid these infections.

Ideal Weight Maintenance:

Another important part of managing non-communicable diseases highlights the need of maintaining a healthy weight because obesity and overweight remain the biggest risk factors for non-communicable diseases. In most cases, obesity results from a sedentary lifestyle, which means no physical activity. Encouraging these individuals to lead an active lifestyle that includes regular exercise can help prevent the onset of such diseases in them.

To sum up, we can say that in this age of the growing population, non-communicable diseases can be best addressed by having a good lifestyle, regular exercises, good quality sleep, regular screening of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, prostate, screening for cancers, and musculoskeletal diseases, periodically so that we detect early and don’t allow the disease to trouble us. By implementing these strategies, individuals can proactively address non-communicable diseases and maintain good health as they age.

(This article is authored by Dr. Pramod V Satya, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital Millers Road.)