January Insights: Transforming Elderly Care and Understanding Aging

Join us as we dive into elder care and policy innovations for aging populations, groundbreaking research on aging biomarkers, and Prof. Prabhdeep Kaur's work on public health research.

Jan 29, 2025

From the Community: Insights from Dr. Arvind Mathur, Champion of Geriatric Care and Advocacy

In this interview, we speak with Dr. Arvind Mathur, a highly accomplished geriatrician. During his extensive career in geriatric medicine and research, he has contributed to establishing geriatric facilities, advocating for elderly healthcare in India, and founding the Caregivers Asha Society, an organization that focuses on improving the lives of both caregivers and care recipients through training, support, and advocacy. He is a member of the WHO Clinical Consortium for Healthy Ageing (CCHA), the WHO Global Network for Long-Term Care (GNLTC), and the expert panel for Ageing for WHO SEARO. Dr Mathur's work demonstrates a commitment to holistic elderly care and caregiver empowerment, which is reflected in his various roles and publications.

LI: What Motivates You to Work in the Field of Geriatrics?

Dr. Mathur: Over my five decades in medical practice, I witnessed how older adults often face inappropriate interventions or are denied care altogether. Their unique and complex healthcare needs remain overlooked, fueling my determination to bring meaningful change. This field became my calling, driven by empathy for their resilience and vulnerabilities. The rapid aging of India’s population demands a healthcare system that addresses older people's physical, emotional, and social well-being.

My contributions include shaping policies like the National Program for the Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) and leading initiatives such as developing a Regional Geriatric Center at Dr. S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur. As the founder and past president of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics, I’ve advanced education, research, and caregiving standards. Every day, I am inspired to innovate, advocate, and honor the dignity of older adults.

Dr. Mathur actively contributing to elderly caregiving and shaping policies for geriatric care.

LI: How Have You Seen the Field of Geriatrics Change Over Time, and What Are the Most Significant Advancements?

Dr. Mathur: Geriatrics has undergone a transformative shift, from marginalized to a cornerstone of public health. Initially, older adults were treated as part of general care, ignoring their distinct needs. Today, frameworks like WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) focus on functional ability and healthy aging. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) has further galvanized efforts globally.

In India, integrating geriatrics into medical education is a pivotal milestone. As an editor of the IAG Handbook of Geriatrics, I’ve contributed to equipping future doctors with essential knowledge. Technological advances, such as telemedicine and wearable devices, are revolutionizing access and management of elder care, while subspecialties like geriatric psychiatry and orthogeriatrics enhance care quality. However, the journey continues as we adapt global frameworks to local needs, striving for a compassionate healthcare system that values older adults.

LI: You founded the “Caregivers Asha Society.” What is the primary goal of this society, and how does it aim to support caregivers and care recipients?

Dr. Mathur: On October 14, 2014, my life changed forever when my wife suffered a stroke. Overnight, I transitioned from being a doctor to becoming a family caregiver—a role that tested me in ways I had never imagined. Despite my years of medical training and experience, the reality of caregiving was humbling and deeply challenging. It made me realize how unprepared most families are for this immense responsibility, especially those without access to medical expertise or resources.

Determined to address this gap, I founded the Caregivers Asha Society, a mission-driven organization focused on empowering family caregivers through education, resources, and support. From its humble beginnings, the Society started with hands-on training programs to equip caregivers with essential skills and knowledge. Over time, our vision evolved, and we launched the CareAsha app—a digital tool designed to offer step-by-step caregiving guidance, addressing everything from medical emergencies to emotional care.

Our mission has grown to encompass not just family caregivers but also community-wide efforts to foster a culture of empathy and support. One such effort is our collaboration with schools to sensitize students to the importance of caregiving. By engaging young minds, we aim to cultivate a future generation that values elder care and recognizes caregivers' profound role in society. This initiative has been especially rewarding, highlighting the power of education and collective action to drive meaningful change.

Through the Caregivers Asha Society, we continue to advocate for systemic improvements in caregiving and elder care. We work toward a world where caregivers are supported and celebrated for their selfless contributions. Each success story, each life touched by our efforts, reinforces my belief in the importance of this mission and inspires me to continue.

LI: Could you tell us about your work with the WHO Clinical Consortium for Healthy Ageing (CCHA), the WHO Global Network for Long-Term Care (GNLTC), and the WHO Civil Society Commission, and how this contributes to your approach to geriatric care?

Dr. Mathur: Collaborating with the WHO Clinical Consortium for Healthy Ageing (CCHA), the Global Network for Long-Term Care (GNLTC), and the WHO Civil Society Commission has profoundly shaped my approach to geriatric care. These platforms emphasize healthy aging and sustainable care systems, aligning with the Caregivers Asha Society’s mission to empower caregivers and support independence for older adults.

Through these associations, I’ve showcased our work at the international level, sharing innovations like the CareAsha app. Global insights have enriched our efforts to create culturally sensitive and scalable care models that bridge local gaps while aligning with international frameworks. Together, we are building a future where caregivers and older adults thrive.

LI: What innovative ways are being developed to improve healthcare delivery for older people?

Dr. Mathur: Geriatric care is embracing transformative innovations. Technologies such as wearable health monitors, AI diagnostics, and telemedicine enhance healthcare delivery, while assistive devices promote independence. Smart home systems ensure safety and convenience, addressing medication adherence and fall detection. Policy shifts, like integrating long-term care into universal health frameworks, also improve equity and sustainability.

The Caregivers Asha Society contributes by developing community-focused solutions. Our CareAsha app equips caregivers with multilingual content and emergency protocols. Rural youth training programs create skilled caregivers while providing livelihoods. Additionally, our Future Caregivers’ Initiative sensitizes school students to caregiving, fostering empathy in the next generation.

We also focus on building community-led support networks, recognizing the importance of social connectedness in healthy aging. Encouraging intergenerational interactions and local caregiving solutions brings dignity and quality of life to elder care.

Through these efforts, we strive to redefine aging as a dignified phase of life marked by compassion and respect. As global innovations converge with local solutions, we envision a brighter future for older adults and their caregivers.

LASI- Transforming Aging Research and Policy

Writer: Dr. T.V. Sekher, Principal Investigator, LASI

Imagine a study that not only unravels the complexities of India's aging population but also serves as a catalyst for creating better policies aimed at improving the quality of life for our elderly. We are excited to feature the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), one of the most comprehensive research initiatives focused on aging in the country. Through its extensive data collection and cutting-edge methodologies, LASI offers invaluable insights that could reshape the way we care for our elderly, not just within India, but across the globe. We deeply appreciate Dr. T.V. Sekher for contributing this insightful write-up.

Launched in 2016, the LASI is India’s first and the world’s largest study on aging, focusing on the health, economic, and social aspects of the country’s older population. It aims to implement a nationally representative, longitudinal survey of adult health and aging across India. Covering over 73,000 individuals aged 45 and above, including 32,000 elderly persons, across all states and Union Territories, LASI provides a robust, longitudinal database to inform the design of effective policies and programs.

The LASI study includes a comprehensive set of assessments to understand the health and well-being of India's aging population. These include physiological assessments such as blood pressure measurements, lung function tests, and vision exams. Anthropometric measurements are also collected, including height, weight, and waist and hip circumference. For performance-based measurements, grip strength, balance tests, and timed walking tests are used to gauge physical capability. Additionally, molecular markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and hemoglobin, are analyzed to explore more considerable physiological changes and risks. The first wave of the LASI study was conducted from April 2017 to December 2018. The second wave will take place in 2025, revisiting the same households and individuals interviewed in Wave 1, and the panel survey will continue for the next 25 years.

This pioneering Government of India-funded study, led by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) in collaboration with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH) and the University of Southern California (USC), places India at the forefront of global aging research and provides critical insights to address the challenges and opportunities of its rapidly expanding older population.

The standout features:

LASI aims to create and carry out a nationwide survey that provides a comprehensive view of adult health and aging in India, representing the diverse population nationwide.
The study will track changes over time to understand the health and well-being of adults as they age.
Data will be harmonized with international studies, such as the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in the USA and similar studies conducted in other countries, to allow comparison with the aging population of other countries. This will facilitate global insights into the challenges and trends of aging and enable policymakers and researchers to better understand the universal and country-specific factors affecting elderly populations.
By providing anonymized data to the research community promptly, LASI enables impactful studies and drives evidence-based policymaking at national and state levels to address the challenges of India’s aging population.
LASI seeks to establish a solid foundation in India for innovative, rigorous, and multidisciplinary aging research.

The outcomes:

LASI has set a new standard in survey research by implementing advanced protocols and field strategies. It employs Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology for data collection, quality control, and Geographical Information System mapping to visualize patterns and trends. The findings underscore the urgent need to enhance geriatric care by integrating it into primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems. LASI also emphasizes the development of retirement preparedness programs and initiatives aimed at improving the health and financial literacy of older adults. This ambitious project reflects the Government of India’s commitment to understanding the needs of its aging population and formulating policies to address those needs. In brief, LASI has produced rich and high-quality scientific data on the health, social, and economic conditions of older Indian adults, which is informing central and state governments in making better decisions about programs and policies targeted toward the aging population.

To know more about LASI: https://www.iipsindia.ac.in/lasi

Major Indicators related to Social, Economic, and Health Conditions of Older Adults: LASI FActsheet.pdf
The LASI dataset is freely available to researchers and policymakers.

Dr. T.V. Sekher is the Principal Investigator of LASI. He can be reached at tvsekher@iipsindia.ac.in

Your movement matters: The power of physical activity for a vibrant life

Writer: Dr. Amrita Nepalia

Who doesn’t want to live a longer, healthier life? Imagine having more time to create memories with loved ones, explore new places, or simply feel your best every single day. The secret to turning back the clock isn’t hidden in some magical pill or potion—it lies in something much simpler: how much you move your body.

But it’s not just about staying active; the real magic comes from how hard you work and how often you do it. So, what’s the perfect balance of exercise to keep you feeling vibrant and extend your years? Let’s delve into the science to uncover the answers!

Exercise and Longevity

Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. A review of 13 cohort studies highlighted that physically active individuals tend to live longer, with life expectancy increasing by an average of 2.9 years for men and 3.9 years for women. Notably, leisure-time activities such as walking or cycling had the greatest impact on life expectancy, with women gaining an average of 4.7 years and men 3.9 years.

Scientists have also shown that aerobic exercise can have big benefits for your cholesterol levels and heart health. However, how it affects your "good" HDL cholesterol can depend on things like the type of exercise, how hard you work, and your personal factors like age or diet. While you might not notice immediate changes after one workout, sticking to a regular exercise routine brings lasting results. Ultimately, physical activity serves as a powerful, all-encompassing tool to support cardiovascular health, enhance cognitive function, and promote healthier aging.

Does intensity and volume of physical activity matter?

It has been shown that both the intensity and amount of Physical Activity (PA) are linked to a lower risk of death, with higher-intensity activities being especially important for reducing heart disease-related deaths. It suggests that how hard you work out might be more important than just how much you exercise overall. The study also showed that doing intense exercise in short bursts (as little as 5 minutes) could be more beneficial for reducing the risk of death than spreading out the same amount of intense activity throughout the day. Additionally, as we age, it’s wise to include strength training at least twice a week to build and maintain muscle mass. Staying fit isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living stronger!

How much should we exercise?

While WHO recommends that adults engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate exercise, 75 to 150 minutes each week of vigorous movement, or an equivalent combination of both intensities, it turns out that if adults do more than the recommended amount, it can lower their risk of death. Moderate physical activity is defined as walking, weightlifting, and lower-intensity exercise. Meanwhile, vigorous exercise is categorized as running, bicycling, and swimming.

A massive study tracked the activity levels of a large group of US adults over a remarkable period of 30 years and analyzed how different levels of physical activity influenced death rates, considering various causes. The study found that reaching a certain level of moderate or vigorous activity was linked to a lower risk of dying, but there’s a catch: after hitting that threshold, doing even more didn’t provide extra benefits. Interestingly, the study revealed that vigorous exercise—like running or intense cycling—only offered additional health perks for those who weren't already getting enough moderate activity, like brisk walking or light cycling.

So what’s the takeaway? When it comes to exercise, balance is the key. While high-intensity workouts have amazing benefits, they work best as part of a routine that also includes regular, moderate activity. Even if you’re not a fitness enthusiast, small changes like taking a 10-minute walk during lunch or riding your bike instead of driving can make a big difference over time. The best approach is one that fits your lifestyle and keeps you moving consistently.

So why wait? Lace-up your shoes, turn on your favorite playlist, and start your journey to a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life today. Your future self will thank you!

References: Click Here
Dr. Amrita Nepalia is a DBT BioCare fellow pursuing her post-doctoral research in Dr. Deepak Kumar Saini's Lab, DBG, IISc. She can be reached at amrithan@iisc.ac.in

Meet the Scientist

In this issue, we spotlight Dr. Prabhdeep Kaur, a distinguished physician and public health expert. She brings extensive experience in addressing critical health challenges, including the prevention and treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer across diverse Indian states. She has led groundbreaking implementation science projects, crafting and scaling evidence-based interventions and policies within the healthcare system, while excelling in public health surveillance and outbreak investigations. Currently, she is working on developing interdisciplinary public health research programs leveraging science and engineering expertise at IISc.

LI: What led you to your career in the field of public health?

Prof. Prabhdeep: I trained as a physician in the early 2000s. During my training, I often managed young to middle-aged patients with heart attacks, diabetes, and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). I always wondered if I could do something to prevent people from developing these diseases which had a major impact on patients’ productivity, and quality of life and added a significant burden for the caregivers in the family. I pursued public health training and worked at a public health research institution for the past two decades to develop community-based research and intervention programs. It was the best decision of my life.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Prof. Prabhdeep: I am developing interdisciplinary research and training programs for public health at the newly established “Isaac Centre for Public Health”. The overall goal is to bridge science and engineering expertise with public health to solve complex problems.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Prof. Prabhdeep: We need locally relevant research to understand the drivers of healthy aging. I am happy to be part of the interdisciplinary team where we can connect the epidemiological data with biological data to understand the aging in Indian context. The aim is to identify modifiable behavioral and biological factors associated with healthy aging and develop relevant population-level programs and policies.

LI: List your personal health hacks (if any)

Prof. Prabhdeep: Track your steps and aim to reach 8000 per day. “what gets measured gets done”. Walk and take the stairs whenever and wherever possible. Eat fruits and nuts when hungry between meals.

For most people, it is not possible to perfectly follow a diet chart or physical activity regimen. Healthy living is about integrating healthy eating, physical activity, and adequate sleep into daily life, considering your context and priorities. In addition, building a positive attitude and strong social networks is important for overall wellness and mental health.

RISE for Healthy Aging Conference

Connect with top leaders in academia, industry, clinical practice, and policy as we explore the future of healthy aging. Get ready for inspiring talks, cutting-edge research, and exciting collaborations that will shape the future of longevity.

Don't miss out—secure your spot today: Click here to Register

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in