I began to enjoy geriatrics when I was a medical officer in Britain. I found it an intellectually stimulating specialisation and allows me to deal with complex patients.
I liked it too because it is person-specific instead of site-specific, allowing me to address patients as a whole.
Most importantly, it is a very special privilege to be able to help patients at their most vulnerable.
If I were to give an analogy for what I do, I'd be...
Someone who repairs priceless antiques.
I believe that the elderly are priceless and they play an important role in our society. By helping them, I feel akin to someone who repairs priceless antiques.
The one fear most people have about growing old is...
The loss of their role as a father, a mother or the head of the family. For example, not being able to cook for your family anymore or seeing friends dying one by one. It can get very demoralising.
A myth debunked...
Many people assume that amnesia, incontinence and disability are a normal part of ageing. They are not. They are caused by acquired diseases and can be treated.
I love patients who are...
I love most of my patients, especially those who have trust and belief in what I say.
Patients who get my goat are...
Those who put their problems down to ageing and don't make any effort to lead a better life. Some will say: 'I'm old already. Nothing can be done.'
If I could tell them what's on my mind, I'd say...
Even if you're 65 or 70 years old, you're still a good 30 years younger than my oldest patient who is 102. That patient is still independent and continent, so I don't see why you can't make an effort to do the same.
Many of these problems can be treated, prevented or improved on, but I need the patient's cooperation as well. As the saying goes: You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
It breaks my heart when...
You work really hard to help a patient, but because of lack of support at home, the patient becomes bed-bound again.
When that happens, I feel like all my efforts have been wasted.
Things that put a smile on my face are...
Well, I'm usually smiling on my rounds. However, I smile more when I see a wheelchair-bound patient walk again.
I'm also extra happy when my patients are grateful. For example, I've got a patient with a fractured hip who walks with a walking frame.
Each time he comes to see me - every three to four months - he brings me orchids from his garden which he has planted himself.
I wouldn't trade places for the world because...
I've got the best children (aged three, six and eight), the best husband (he's a general manager of an engineering company) and a fulfilling job.
I always know I'm going to make someone's life better. It might be as simple as making someone continent again.
Imagine the quality of life if one were incontinent. Then imagine being able to change that. Such things make it all worthwhile.
On growing old...
Of course I'm scared. A patient told me the other day: 'Dr Reshma, you don't know what it's like to age. It's horrible.'
I have seen many patients being placed in nursing homes or who live alone although they have eight or 10 children. That scares me but I've also seen children who are very supportive and caring of their parents.
At the end of the day, I think it all boils down to family values and upbringing.
My best tip...
Successful ageing starts at 30. At the age of 30, you should start exercising and eating right to ensure a healthy ageing process.
That said, for those over 30, it is still never too late to start.
This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Aug 14, 2008.
