Is India Aging Faster?

With the globalization of modern education and new scientific research, we often forget that the things we learn are centered around western data and research. Indian education, in the field of science, holds a concerning underrepresentation of its own population. 

For example, we seem to think that life expectancy is on average approximately 72 years, right? Yet we fail to acknowledge that it is lower for India, at 67.3 years, as per WHO data from 2021. Life expectancy is something that concerns every single individual in the country, and if that too is something we are uninformed regarding, what about other issues that are not as common?

Indians typically age faster than people in the west (Shome et al., 2020). We hear our parents complain about joint pain and worsening health in their 60s, which people in the west experience much later. This early aging opens a Pandora's box of problems much bigger than wrinkles or gray hair. For example, visual and auditory loss, decreased mobility, loss of control over bodily functions, lower immunity, and higher susceptibility to conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and so on (Jaul & Barron, 2017). But physical health, we know; what about mental health? More specifically, what could happen to the mind as a person ages? 

Indian women, on average, reach menopause at 46.6 years of age, as compared to the average of 50 to 51 years for European or American women (Prasad et al., 2021). India also has one of the lowest retirement ages in the world at 58-60 years. As we settle into this slower stage of life, we tend to become less active; not just physically, but also mentally. We get more accustomed to a “relaxed” life, one that does not constitute working all day, not using our brains to constantly deal with problems. Instead, we get to take the back seat, while our children take care of us. Although this sounds wonderful to hear, and could be considered a well-deserved rest after a lifetime of work, it still does not go without its faults. If we've learnt anything from evolution, it is that we lose what we do not use. This basic law of nature also applies to our cognition. A cognitive decline may follow after retirement due to lesser use of cognitive processes like decision-making, problem solving, thinking and reasoning, working memory, etc. This may further lead to cognitive disorders like dementia, amnesia, and delirium (Berryhill et al., 2012).

The classic nature vs. nurture debate comes to mind. Are we doomed to age faster? Do we have truly no escape from a biological destiny that makes our knees weak and forces us to bow to such illnesses sooner than expected? The exact answer, we don't know yet. But we can hope that the power of nurture can help us fight against the evils of nature. And we know that with power, comes responsibility. In this case, it's the responsibility to keep ourselves safe, protect ourselves and our loved ones from the horrors that an early aging may cause. But how do we do that?

Researchers suggest that exercise and diet are very impactful when it comes to biological aging. Engaging in calorie restriction, i.e., eating less but consuming adequate nutrients, has major benefits to the human body. It may increase longevity of life and quality of health, and even improve the quality of muscles. Evidence suggests that the Mediterranean diet (with fewer carbohydrates and more plant-based foods) reduces the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia, slowing down the rate of cognitive decline. Exercise, along with keeping bones and muscles active, also keep our minds refreshed. Lifestyle changes like limiting use of substances like alcohol and smoking, getting better quality sleep, has also been proven helpful. 

Speaking of cognitive health, it is important to keep the gears in our heads turning, even after retirement. Studies have shown that engaging in hobbies and meaningful activities help keep our minds engaged while also reducing stress. For example, older people can take up hobbies such as quilting or solving puzzles, and can spend more time in social activities such as having conversations with their loved ones. This helps consolidate memory, reduce stress, and strengthens the neural connections in our brain. Apart from this, it's important to go for regular screenings and health check-ups, especially for the older population. Early detection of symptoms of any disease can be life saving.

India is a country that holds its culture very close. Our collectivism has made taking care of each other a natural inclination. Yet, it is the same culture that sometimes proves to be the problem. Therefore, we need to fight fire with fire. Change the old ways of eating rice and heavy carbohydrates and fats for every meal, and introduce a healthier diet to our lives, and also the lives of our loved ones. Spread awareness that sometimes our home-remedies and ayurvedic solutions may not be enough, and reach out for health check-ups and medical aid. Challenge the perspective that old means stagnant, and encourage your loved ones to stay active and healthy as they age. After all, old is gold, and gold needs to be treasured.

About the Author 

Zeba Chogle, Head, PsyCreative Column

Psychology committee, JDSOLA, NMIMS.

Zeba is an 18 year old student of Applied Psychology in NMIMS, Vile Parle. Her favorite word is "buoyancy". To her, it means the ability to stay afloat even when all odds are against you, it means to maintain balance with grace and determination, it means to have an undeniable, stupid kind of faith that you'll never sink. She tries to follow these principles in everyday life. Although extremely creative and imaginative, she tries to master the ability to remain rational and practical in situations that require so. In art and writing, she has found solace and comfort. In academia, she finds resolve and hope. She imagines herself perched upon a tightrope, and aims to make it all the way through one day.