WE MUST EXTEND HEALTH SPAN, NOT JUST LIFE SPAN
The New Indian Express Kottayam|December 21, 2024
Even a 'cured' disease often leaves behind disabilities impairing the quality of life. If we can't ensure wholesome health, the expected demographic dividend will continue to elude us
K SRINATH REDDY

All parents fondly wish that their children grow to enjoy a full and fulfilling life. Those children too desire to age well so that their lives are not marred by disease and disability. They hope to remain fit and functioning rather than frail and feeble till the end of their life. It will be a poor trade-off if their life expectancy increases but those added years are full of suffering due to poor health.

The 20th century saw a marked rise in human life expectancy globally, despite world wars and a host of infectious diseases. This resulted from a combination of improved living conditions and advances in preventive, diagnostic and curative medical services. Improvements in water, sanitation, nutrition, education, income, occupational safety and women's status in society accompanied economic development and education.

These also stimulated a surge of science and technology. Simultaneously, large populations in Asia, Africa and the Americas wrested freedom from colonial rule and charted their developmental journeys. More diseases were prevented and more lives were saved than ever before, to yield a bounty of long life expectancy. However, even a 'cured' disease often left behind disabilities that detracted from fulsome functionality and impaired the quality of life, increased dependency on others and carried high financial costs of chronic healthcare.

Bu hikaye The New Indian Express Kottayam dergisinin December 21, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The New Indian Express Kottayam dergisinin December 21, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS KOTTAYAM DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
The New Indian Express Kottayam

Probe Ordered, Says Omar as Fashion Show Triggers Outrage

AS a fashion show in Gulmarg sparked outrage and ruckus in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the show was a private event and the government would not have permitted such an event even if it was not Ramzan.

time-read
1 min  |
March 11, 2025
The New Indian Express Kottayam

12 Arrested Over Mhow Violence After Cricket Win

A day after a victory procession celebrating Indian cricket team's Champions Trophy title win, reportedly triggered communal violence in Dr Ambedkar Nagar-Mhow town of western MP's Indore district, 12 people were arrested in the case on Monday.

time-read
1 min  |
March 11, 2025
The New Indian Express Kottayam

VIL Misses Deadline for ₹6,090 Cr Bank Guarantee

TELECOM service provider Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) has failed to meet the deadline for submitting a ₹6,090 crore bank guarantee.

time-read
1 min  |
March 11, 2025
The New Indian Express Kottayam

Kasaragod's Thalangara cap fading into oblivion

THE Thalangara cap, a heritage symbol that once boosted the district's artistic reputation, is facing extinction.

time-read
1 min  |
March 11, 2025
The New Indian Express Kottayam

Govt directs IPL to ban ads promoting tobacco, alcohol

THE Centre has urged the Indian Premier League (IPL) to ban all tobacco and alcohol advertisements, including surrogate promotions, within the stadium premises during matches as well as telecast sessions on the national television.

time-read
1 min  |
March 11, 2025
The New Indian Express Kottayam

Vanuatu orders scrapping Lalit Modi's passport amid probe against him in India

In a setback to fugitive founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Lalit Modi, who had recently filed an application with the Indian High Commission in London to surrender his Indian passport, the Prime Minister of the Pacific island-nation Vanuatu, Jotham Napat on Monday issued a direction to his Citizenship Commission to cancel the passport issued to Modi, saying that the latter was attempting to avoid extradition.

time-read
1 min  |
March 11, 2025
The New Indian Express Kottayam

EU: US not keen for deal to avoid tariffs

THE United States does not appear to want to make a deal with Brussels to avoid hefty tariffs against the EU, the bloc's trade chief said Monday, days before US steel and aluminium levies kick in.

time-read
1 min  |
March 11, 2025
The New Indian Express Kottayam

Iran Says Open to Address Concerns on Nuke Program

Does a volte-face hours later, says will not discuss under pressure after US ends sanction waiver for Iraq to buy electricity from neighbour

time-read
1 min  |
March 11, 2025
The New Indian Express Kottayam

WPL: Kaur, Kerr show guides Mumbai home

BHARTI Fulmali's 62 went in vain as Mumbai Indians defeated Gujarat by nine runs in the Women's Premier League on Monday.

time-read
1 min  |
March 11, 2025
The New Indian Express Kottayam

Sops for tea workers and youth in election-centric budget of Himanta govt

THE BJP-led Assam government on Monday presented a populist budget to woo tea garden workers, lower income group people, farmers and youth as Assembly elections are due early next year.

time-read
1 min  |
March 11, 2025