S7: Cross cultural perspectives on Holistic approach to promote healthy ageing- Insights from India and Brazil

Abstract

Demographic transition and changes in the population structure has contributed to global challenges related to population ageing. World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed global strategy and action plan on ageing and health to address the challenges related to population ageing. Despite the decline in intrinsic capacity, provision of appropriate environmental support can help in improving the functional ability and promoting Healthy ageing. India and Brazil are large countries with rapid population ageing with significant needs and challenges to promote Healthy Ageing. Both countries have significant differences in the cultural and socio-economic factors related to population ageing and rich history of traditional/alternative medicine interventions (such as Yoga and Ayurveda in India). Older adults have multiple comorbidities of physical and mental health issues with many of them seeking treatment from alternative systems of medicine. Holistic approach with integrated care will be helpful in older adults to promote healthy ageing. This symposium will summarize the holistic approach to healthy ageing in the global context with specific focus on the perspectives from India and Brazil.Mental health experts from India and Brazil with expertise in Geriatric Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine will be the presenters for the symposium.

The symposium will have the following presentations

1. 1. Holistic approach to Healthy ageing: Global Perspectives: Prof. Sivakumar Palanimuthu Thangaraju, Professor of Psychiatry & Head, Geriatric Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India

2. 2. Lifestyle interventions through Integrative medicine to promote Healthy Ageing: Indian Perspective: Prof. Shivarama Varambally, Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Former Head, Department of Integrative Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India

3. 3. Scope for Traditional medicine and Holistic approach to Promoting Healthy Ageing in Brazil: Dr Bernardo Viana, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil