Senior Health – Issues You Should Bear in Mind
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| Senior Health – Issues You Should Bear in Mind |
Early in life, and often into the thirties, most people give little thought to aging. That is just something that happens to old people. Eventually comes the realization that aging is inevitable and time catches up with all of us. Some have a rather negative view of getting old, feeling that it must inevitably include sickness, frailty, and dementia. The truth is that these things are in many cases preventable, treatable, or at least manageable.
Seniors need to take care of their health, and there are many resources available to help them do so. As the population ages and more baby boomers enter their fifties and sixties, demand for more resources geared to seniors will see a wider range of senior support and assistance in many areas.
As with most age groups, the key to maximizing senior health is prevention. A healthy active lifestyle, maintaining weight within a recommended range, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption, will lessen the chances of suffering many of the conditions which begin or worsen as you age. The good news is that no matter what your age if you begin to make healthy changes to your lifestyle you will reap better health. It is never too late to start.
Another key to dealing with many health problems is early detection. It becomes ever more important to have regular checkups so that any health problems can be caught and treated as soon as possible. An annual check-up is a great idea. Your doctor will explain the tests which need to be performed regularly, and will also be able to record your baseline heart rate, blood pressure, blood count, weight, and height to watch for any changes.
Some tests need to be done yearly as you get older, some every two, three, or four years. For women, PAP smear tests should continue to occur every three years, or yearly at a greater risk of cervical or vaginal cancer. Breast self-exams should be done monthly, and mammograms beginning at the age of forty. Bone Mass measurement may be recommended by your doctor if you are in a high-risk group for osteoporosis.
Men over fifty should have a regular prostate exam. Both sexes should have regular chest x-rays, an EKG every two to three years, and a fecal occult blood test yearly. Other tests may be recommended by your physician based on your personal history. You should also review any other medications or over-the-counter remedies you are taking with your doctor as some medications can interact and cause problems.
It is important to have a healthcare professional you trust and feel comfortable with so you can ask questions as necessary, and be able to discuss any concerns you have about any aspect of your health. Feelings of sadness or loneliness should also be discussed with your doctor as mental health is just as important as physical health. Staying positive, having a good support network, and maintaining social connections can help seniors stay healthier and retain cognitive function.
Specific concerns for seniors include loss of balance, which can lead to falls. Decreased bone density and muscle tone as a result of aging can make falls a more serious problem, as bones are more brittle, break easier, and heal more slowly.
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s, is more of a concern as people age, but only a small percentage of people will actually develop dementia. It is not a normal part of growing older.