Although "anti-aging" pills have not yet been invented, the task of significantly improving the quality of life for elderly people is quite achievable, believes Gulmira Baitova, head of the Department of Therapy at the International School of Medicine of MUK and the course of gerontology and geriatrics at the Kyrgyz State Medical Institute for Retraining and Advanced Training named after S. Daniyarov, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Professor.
- It is necessary to develop gerontology and geriatrics in Kyrgyzstan to better understand the causes of aging and the health problems of the elderly population, - noted Professor Baitova in an interview with vb.kg, who is actively involved in programs for active longevity and was the first to raise this issue in our country.
Gulmira Musaevna, why do you emphasize active longevity when, according to official data, life expectancy in the country is increasing?
- Indeed, in recent decades, there has been an increase in the number of people over 60 years old, which has occurred due to an increase in life expectancy. Kyrgyzstan is no exception: the average life expectancy in 2024 will be 72.1 years. Women live eight years longer than men (76.6 years versus 68.3 years). Of more than seven million citizens, 400 thousand are people over 65 years old, which accounts for 5.7 percent of the total population. According to the UN classification, if the proportion of elderly people is less than 4 percent, the country is considered young; from 4 to 7 percent - on the verge of aging; more than 7 percent - aging. It is expected that by 2030, 7 percent of the population in Kyrgyzstan will be elderly. Aging affects everyone and is related to lifestyle and available opportunities.
The increase in the number of elderly people will be a challenge for socio-economic policy. What role should the healthcare sector play in this?
- This is undoubtedly true. The gerontological service that existed during the Soviet period has practically disappeared after the collapse of the Union. The restoration of this sphere is impossible without the active participation of healthcare. Modern research shows that biological age can be controlled: aging can be delayed and activity can be maintained. This is not only a personal benefit but also an important task for society. The longer elderly people remain active, the greater their contribution to the economy, reducing the burden on the budget.
The term "active longevity" was proposed by the World Health Organization in 2002 as part of the active aging strategy. According to the WHO definition, it involves optimizing health, participating in social life, and protecting human rights, which ultimately improves the quality of life in the aging process. In the same year, the UN General Assembly adopted an international plan on aging issues, calling on states to develop active aging programs. Kyrgyzstan joined this plan, committing to ensuring a decent standard of living for elderly citizens.
In this context, healthcare plays a key role. One of the first responses to the recommendations of the Madrid Plan was the restoration of gerontological services. In 2011, courses on gerontology and geriatrics were opened at the Kyrgyz State Medical Institute for Retraining and Advanced Training named after S. Daniyarov, training family doctors in the specifics of diagnosing and treating elderly patients. These courses continue to operate, including outreach lectures in remote regions.
At the international conference organized by the WHO and the UN in Moscow in 2019, where the "Decade of Healthy Aging 2020-2030" program was discussed, specialists from more than 30 countries gathered. This confirmed the significance of the topic and the need for a systematic approach in Kyrgyzstan. Large-scale support programs for the elderly are needed. Despite existing projects, they often have a local and temporary nature, such as the "Resource Center for the Elderly" and the gerontological office in Bishkek, where training is conducted for active retirees. We teach them how to maintain health and prolong active life, focusing on the prevention of chronic diseases.
We also invited yoga instructors for classes with the elderly. Participants listened with interest and actively participated. They later shared the knowledge gained with their peers, which is one of the effective ways to prevent diseases.
In 2019, the government of the Kyrgyz Republic approved an Action Plan to improve the quality of life for the elderly for 2019-2025, aimed at creating conditions for their active participation in society and improving their economic situation.
Professor, the deadline for the plan has ended. How has it affected the elderly population of the country? What’s next?
- During the implementation of the plan, much has been done in the field of health improvement. As part of a scientific study on medical and social assistance to patients with cardiovascular diseases among the elderly, their healthcare needs and prevention of strokes and heart attacks were studied. This is an important study, as Kyrgyzstan ranks high in mortality from cardiovascular diseases.
The issue of active longevity cannot be solved in the short term. A long-term state program is needed that will be constantly updated. Currently, a program for "Active Longevity of Kyrgyz Citizens for 2025-2030" is being developed, but it will not be the last, as the needs of the elderly population will grow. I believe that a gerontology institute should be established, as has been done in other countries, where regional branches operate and various ministries and public organizations are involved.
However, aging is not only a medical but also a social problem. It is necessary to involve elderly people as much as possible in active life. Isolation is not a solution. In Sweden, for example, retirees unite in associations where events are held for them, which supports their activity and psycho-emotional state, positively affecting health.
Currently, my assistants regularly communicate with elderly patients, discussing the causes and symptoms of diseases, which is becoming increasingly popular. We see that many elderly people maintain an active mind and are eager to respond to initiatives, needing trusting communication.
I believe that such meetings should be held in all Family Health Centers, and it is necessary to resume the work of schools for hypertensives and diabetics so that they function regularly, with specific staff. Family doctors often do not have time for prevention, and in such schools, patients can be trained, who can then share their knowledge with others.
Do you believe that it is possible to change people's attitudes towards their health, both the older and younger generations? What do you recommend for maintaining health and prolonging life?
- We are already seeing changes! After the pandemic, people have started to pay more attention to prevention. They ask many questions about health, and our recommendations concern not only the elderly but also children. The rules for maintaining health are well known: proper nutrition, quitting harmful habits, physical activity, and regular check-ups.
Unfortunately, there is also a reverse trend, where adults eat improperly and feed children fast food. I have encountered children who are not developing properly because they spend time with phones in their hands.
At an international conference in London, I noted that 60% of the adult population suffers from hypertension, and many are not even aware of it. The main cause of strokes is late diagnosis. People come to doctors already with strokes or in a pre-stroke state. There are cases where pregnant women discover their hypertension and diabetes during screening.
In 60% of cases, a person's health is influenced by themselves. Negative habits worsen the condition, even if a person has good genetics. Only 40% of health depends on ecology and the healthcare system.
Therefore, it is important to motivate everyone to take care of their health. This is not an easy task, but it yields results. In the 1980s in the USA, preventive programs significantly reduced mortality from strokes and heart attacks. This is an example of how health depends on prevention and self-education.
The state program for active longevity in Kyrgyzstan for 2025-2030 can help not only increase life expectancy but also improve its quality. Caring for the elderly is within the capacity of any government if society is actively supported.
