Old is Gold: 360-degree Care for the Elderly

Ensuring Mobility, Dignity, and Longevity

On this National Bone and Joint Day, the Nagaland Orthopaedic Society would like to urge the general public to pause and reflect on the importance of taking due care of our bones and joints— not just for the young and active, but especially for the elderly who carry the legacy of a lifetime. As orthopaedic surgeons, we work with elderly patients every day, and truly believe that mobility is life—and preserving it is the key to aging with dignity and independence.

The theme for this year is "Old is Gold", which beautifully encapsulates the need to cherish and care for our senior citizens. Aging may bring physical weakness, but it also brings wisdom, strength, and patience. On this day, we urge everyone to adopt a 360-degree approach to elder care - one that ensures mobility, dignity, and a longer, fulfilling life.

Being able to move is the first step to living independently. And as toddlers, we truly start to become independent individuals as we begin to walk. Bones and joints form the structural framework of the human body, and as we age, they bear the brunt of years of use, often leading to osteoporosis, arthritis, fractures, and degenerative spine conditions. These are not just medical conditions; they also make daily life harder.

With early diagnosis, appropriate orthopaedic care, physiotherapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention, many of these issues can be managed or reversed. Joint replacements, spinal procedures, and fracture care are now safer and more successful than ever before.

However, age-related decline is not inevitable. The good news is that these problems can often be prevented or treated with early diagnosis, proper treatment, physiotherapy, and surgery when needed, following which many older adults can continue to move without pain. Today's joint replacements, spine surgeries, and fracture treatments are safer and more successful than ever before. These procedures are all covered under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance scheme (CMHIS), which the people of Nagaland should take advantage of.

And what is equally important is fall prevention. A fall for a senior can prove to be a life-altering event not only for the individual, but also for the whole family. Simple modifications at home, such as grab bars in bathrooms, clutter-free floors, proper lighting, and supportive footwear, can make a world of difference.

It cannot be emphasised enough to tell families that healing isn't just about bones, it's also about hearts and minds. Seniors must be treated as individuals with a voice, not just as patients. As caregivers, children, doctors, or members of society, we must listen, explain, and involve them in their own care.

Elderly people may walk more slowly, but their need for love and care never slows down. In fact, many heal faster when they feel heard and valued. Helping them stay active also helps them feel proud and confident. Simple things like walking in the garden, visiting a friend, or going to the bathroom without help bring them joy and freedom. Our goal should not only be to help them live longer, but to help them live well. Strong bones and joints are key to that. Regular exercise, a good diet (with calcium and vitamin D), and routine check-ups are very important.

We must shift from reactive care to preventive care - screening for osteoporosis, educating the public about joint care, encouraging routine exercise even in the 70s and 80s, and providing timely access to orthopaedic services. This is how we ensure quality of life, not just quantity.

And as a society, we have a responsibility to build a senior-friendly ecosystem. On this Bone and Joint Day, we call upon:

•             Families to spend time with elders and support their physical and emotional needs.

•             Communities to create spaces for elderly activity, socializing and fitness.

•             Policymakers to ensure accessible healthcare, assistive devices, and elder-focused infrastructure.

•             Younger generations to engage in intergenerational bonds - learning from the past while supporting the future.

In conclusion, aging gracefully is a right, not a privilege. From an orthopaedic perspective, we can assure you that mobility in itself is a medicine. When we help our elders stand tall, walk pain-free, or climb stairs again, we're not just treating joints - we're restoring hope, confidence, and joy.

Let us not wait until bones break to care. Let us build a culture where aging is celebrated, where every elderly person walks with pride, and where "Old is Gold" is not just a theme, but a way of life. On this Bone and Joint Day, let's commit to keeping our elders moving - because every step they take is a step toward dignity, longevity and a well-lived life.

Dr. Nungdilong & Dr. Puloto Yeptho—

Orthopaedic Surgeons

Nagaland Orthopaedic Society