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Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorder seen. It is caused by interaction of social, psychological, biological factors. It affects all age groups. It is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, low energy, decreased sleep, appetite, low self-esteem disrupting daily functions of the individual and in severe cases can lead to suicide. In children depression presents with school refusal, irritability, academic decline. Adolescents suffering from depression have anger outbursts, relationship adjustment issues, increased substance intake like alcohol etc, academic decline. Peer relationship, academic pressure, hormonal changes mostly contribute to its onset. Adults, especially those in middle age, grapple with stressors related to work, family responsibilities and financial concerns which can precipitate depression. In the elderly population, depression can be mistaken for normal aging processes, with symptoms such as sleep disturbances and somatic complaints. Loneliness, medical conditions and loss of loved ones contribute to late-life depression. Effective interventions vary across age groups. Children, Adolescents may benefit from cognitive-behavioural therapies and family support while young adults might respond well to psychotherapy that addresses identity and life goals. In moderate to severe depression combination therapy, medications like antidepressants with psychotherapy is beneficial and the elderly may require tailored approaches considering their medical conditions and social support systems. In conclusion, depression manifests differently across age groups due to unique stressors and life stages. With early detection and effective intervention depression can be cured. Dr Reema Dey, Psychiatrist, MBBS, MD

“Senior citizen” the term suggests those person, who need special care, love and affection. We need to deal with them like babies. Though they are relieved from major social attributes, but are not free from several known or unknown ailments. Most of the geriatric population suffer from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism, ischaemic heart and brain diseases. But many things got unnoticed and undiagnosed. Parkinsonism, a common neurodegenerative disease demands early diagnosis to prevent sudden fall and fracture, but it’s too common. Other neurodegenerative diseases and subsequent dementia need special mention too. Osteoporosis, a very commonly overlooked entity often gets diagnosed late until a fracture happens. Calcium, vitamin D deficiency and long term use of over the counter antacids the leading causes. Besides, various carcinomas, like liver, gall bladder, prostate, colon, pancreatic and obviously lung carcinoma spread there kingdom silently, until advanced stages. Whereas all these are physiological disturbances, psychological factors are often not addressed by treating physicians. Insomnia, depression, anxiety, forgetfulness, obsessive compulsive disorders are so common and we, family members often get irritated. Constipation, a so common lingering symptom, often treated with over the counter laxatives, without knowing underlying causes. In a nutshell, caring geriatric body and minds means not only “sugar and pressure” but also inevitably demands taking care of their psychological, cognitive and spiritual aspects with utmost love, tenderness, affection, communication and rehabilitation. Dr Soumik Mandal, General Physician, MBBS, MD

In view of increased life expectancy, geriatric population holds a significant concern in view of medical and surgical ailments. Osteoporosis comes at the top of major orthopaedic diseases in elderly, another common entity being Osteoarthritis. Osteoporosis makes their bones weak and susceptible to significant fractures even following a trivial trauma which commonly includes fracture around hip, spine and wrist. Sometimes if not adequately treated in time, these injuries may result into short and long term morbidities including some life threatening complications. Hence the need of hour is to get regular Orthopaedic check up of geriatric population to prevent and diagnose Osteoporosis and to treat it and it’s complications like fractures well in time and in most effective way. Similarly Osteoarthritis of knee, and also hip renders a person incapable of performing activities of daily living with excruciating pain with which the person wakes up every single morning. If properly treated in time, this may decelerate the worsening, and if at all required, knee and hip replacement surgeries in time would lead to a pain free healthy quality life for them.. Hence in both the scenarios and many other every senior citizen should visit an Orthopaedic surgeon to get thorough check up so as to prevent and treat their existing ailments and also the complications.. Stay healthy and well.. Dr. Anupam Das (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Complex Trauma, Arthroscopy, Arthroplasty) MBBS, MS.Orth (AIIMS, Delhi), DNB, MNAMS