There’s never a dull moment in the news cycle! Between demonetisation and the American presidential elections, there’s been plenty to occupy our talking heads. In all the furore and flurry of opinions, however, some other nuggets of information on unrelated (but equally significant) topics appear to have slipped through the cracks.
Here’s one: the prevalence of dementia among American silvers has fallen sharply in recent years. A new study of over 21,000 people, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, tells us that dementia rates fell from 11.6 per cent in 2000 to 8.8 per cent in 2012—down an impressive 24 per cent.
If you are wondering why this American study is so significant for us, consider this: In 2015, 47 million people around the world were living with dementia, with 4.1 million of them in India (up from 3.7 million in 2010). And, according to the World Alzheimer Report 2015, the incidence of the disease is expected to double by 2030. That’s why this latest study is such wonderful news. Especially as the researchers have attributed the decline to rising educational levels and better heart health—doable goals for us in India, too.
Indeed, a key enabler of heart health (in addition to diet and lifestyle) is a regular exercise regimen. This is a common refrain for us at Harmony; one that resounds loud and clear at every edition of our Senior Citizens’ Run.
The latest was held in New Delhi on 20 November, as part of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon. About 1,200 silvers braved the nip in the air to flaunt their vigour and enthusiasm on the streets of the capital. I would like to thank S K Roongta, former chairman, SAIL, and managing director, Vedanta Aluminium Ltd, and Surendra Singh, former cabinet secretary, Government of India, for cheering on our participants; Axis Bank, Big 92.7 FM, BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd, BSES Rajdhani Yamuna Ltd, OOH Division Hindustan Lever, Procam International, Reliance Communications, Smith & Nephew Health Care India Pvt Ltd, Silverglades, VLCC Wellness and Widex India Pvt Ltd for their support; and the Harmony team for its untiring efforts in making the event a success.
Take a cue from our participants and get moving— whether you run, walk, amble or stroll, remember that you are moving ahead to a healthier tomorrow. There could be no better resolution and no better investment than your mental and physical health as we draw the curtains on another year and look to the horizon with hope. See you in 2017!
Tina Ambani
Photograph by Dabboo Ratnani
Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
December 2016
