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Senior Issues
Aging Statistics:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, and the National Health Interview Survey, a study was conducted to determine chronic conditions for people aged 65+.
The study determined the following percentages of men and women over the age of 65 suffered from the chronic diseases listed below:
- Heart Disease
- 37% Men
- 26% Women
- Hypertension
- 52% Men
- 54% Women
- Stroke
- 10% Men
- 8% Women
- Asthma
- 10% Men
- 12% Women
- Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema
- 11% Men
- 10% Women
- Any Cancer
- 24 % Men
- 19% Women
- Diabetes
- 19% Men
- 17% Women
- Arthritis
- 43% Men
- 53% Women
Additionally, those over the age of 65 also reported the following:
- Trouble hearing
- Men 48%
- Women 35%
- Trouble Seeing
- Men 16%
- Women 18%
- No Natural Teeth
- 27%
- 25%
Elderly Depression:
These percentages are of the elderly who suffer signs of clinically relevant depression. Percentages are broken up according to ages:
- Ages 65-74
- 13% of men and women
- Ages 75-84
- 15%
- 85+
- 19%
Survey on how the elderly are spending their time:
- For those 55-64, 53% of their time is spent watching TV while only 4% is spent exercising or participating in some sort of active behavior.
- For those 65-74, 55% of their time is spent watching TV and 4% is spent exercising
- For those 75 and over, 54% of their time is spent watching TV and 2% is spent exercising or being active.
General Advice on Healthy Aging:
Health Secrets of Six Individuals Who Appear Much Younger Than They Actually Are
Six residents of Sonoma Country share their anti-aging secrets. Their tricks? Find a healthy diet that works for you, exercise often, and find things that make you happy to reduce stress.
Keys to Successful Aging
- Stay fit and active through exercise
- Have a moderate diet
- Have a positive outlook on life
- Maintain social connections
- Keep your self-esteem up
From the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging:
Healthy Aging involves:
- Exercise and physical activities
- Balance exercises will help prevent falls
- Strength training will help prevent osteoporosis
- Stretching keeps the body limber to give more movement
- Heart diseases is alleviated with exercise
- Endurance exercises increase stamina and improve lung and heart health
- Pay attention to weight and your shape
- Many health problems come from being overweight or obese, including:
- Greater risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and arthritis
- Being too thin isn’t healthy either:
- Indication of frailty or symptom of disease
- Body fat distribution (I.e. pear shaped or apple shaped) can be a problem for older adults:
- Apple shapes (fat around the waist) can increase risk of heart disease and breast cancer
- Be aware of what you eat
- Individuals who consume healthy foods (high fiber cereal, fruit, nonwhite bread, whole grains, beans and legumes, vegetables, reduced-fat dairy) have been shown to have smaller BMI (Body Mass Index) gains and a smaller waist.
- Eating well helps keep your muscles, bones, organs and other body parts functioning properly throughout life.
- Conversely, eating poorly increases your risk for some diseases
- Participate in things you like
- People who are social, generous and goal-oriented tend to be happier with lower levels of depression
- Develop hobbies
- Be social, whether through family or social groups
- Make goals and work towards them
- BASIC GUIDELINES
- Don’t smoke
- Exercise/be active
- Eat healthfully
- If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation
http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/healthyeating.htm
- Health problems made worse by alcohol include:
- Stroke
- High Blood Pressure
- Memory Loss
- Mood Disorders
- Alcohol combined with aspirin can cause bleeding in the stomach
- Alcohol can be very dangerous when consumed with sleeping pills, pain pills, or anxiety and depression medication
- Acetaminophen and alcohol can damage your liver
http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/AlcoholBooklet/01_facts.htm
Health issues affecting seniors
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Lower Cholesterol and Homocysteine levels
- The amino acid Homocysteine in high levels has been associated with increasing Alzheimer’s
- Homocysteine levels can be reduced by taking folic acid and vitamins b6 and b12.
- Lower High Blood Pressure
- High blood pressure and stroke risk factors can damage blood vessels in the brain, damaging nerves that are used for decision-making, memory, and verbal skills.
- Control Diabetes
- Diabetes and insulin resistance has been connected with Alzheimer’s disease
- Researchers have found a link between those with diabetes and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease
- Too much insulin in the blood encourages inflammation and oxidative stress, factors seen with Alzheimer’s disease
- Be social and stay mentally active
- Being social and intellectually stimulated decreases the risk of dementia in the elderly
- Exercise
- Physical activity
- Cardiovascular fitness shows increased brain function
- Eat foods high in antioxidants, consider supplements
- Antioxidants ward of the damage of free radicals, which may cause damage that is associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Studies have suggested that it is helpful in treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADPrevented/default.htm
- Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
- Balance Problems (http://nihseniorhealth.gov/balanceproblems/aboutbalanceproblems/01.html)
- Diet and lifestyle can help manage balance problems. Also, the symptoms of balance disorders can be lessened by eating low-salt or salt free foods, and staying away from caffeine and alcohol
- Balance problems can be caused by otitis media-- when the inner ear becomes infected. This can occur from a basic ear infection, but, respiratory infections, viral infections, stress, fatigue, allergies, smoking, and alcohol use all increase the risk that the labyrinth in the ear will become infected. Certain medications (Ototoxic Drugs) can also damage the inner ear. Frequent hand washing is also useful in warding off infections.
- Strokes and other circulatory issues can cause balance issues. The chances for a stroke are increased when individuals smoke, have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Low blood pressure can also cause dizziness.
- Cancer
(http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/cancer.htm)
- The chances of cancer go up as you get older. But, there are preventative measures that can be taken.
- Do not use tobacco
- Avoid sunburns
- Eat healthfully-five servings of fruits and vegetables a day
- Watch your weight-overweight or obese people are more likely to get cancer
- Exercise
- If you drink alcohol, don’t drink more than 2 drinks a day
- Avoid contact with hazardous materials that cause cancer.
- Depression
(http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-easy-to-read/index.shtml#start)
- Clinical depression or depressive disorder is when the sad feelings or feeling blue doesn’t go away after a few days, but rather, stay and start to interfere with normal daily life.
- Depression is common among older adults, but is not normal, nor should it be expected as a natural part of aging. It is estimated that 7 million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from depression
- There are three main categories of depression that older adults may suffer from:
- Major Depressive Disorder or Clinical Depression (major depression prevents an individual from functioning normally, and frequently comes on and off throughout the individuals life)
- Dysthmic disorder (less severe, but longer lasting than Clinical Depression)
- Subsyndromal depression-which is less severe than clinical depression or dysthmic disorder, but, because it can go unnoticed, can turn into more severe forms of depression
- Symptoms of depression:
- Lack of interest in activities that used to be pleasurable
- Frequent crying
- Difficulty focusing
- Difficulty making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide and death
- Treatment:
- Medication
- St. John’s Wort is an herbal remedy frequently taken for depression.
- Antidepressants: (While scientists aren’t sure exactly how these work, studies have showed they are involved in regulating mood. They are prescribed by a doctor.)
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Bupropion – Wellbutrin
- Tricyclics
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Psychotherapy
- Also known as “talk therapy” has shown to help people with depression. There are 2 main types of psychotherapies: Cognitive/Behavioral therapy and Interpersonal therapy
- Therapy is designed to help people change their negative habits and thoughts, assist individuals with their relationships with others, and help them work through personal issues that may be lending to their depression
- Electroconvulsive Therapy
- Used to be called “shock therapy”, electroconvulsive therapy had a very bad reputation, but recent improvements in this method have shown that it has helped those who suffer with depression
- Diabetes
(http://nihseniorhealth.gov/category/diseasesandconditions.html)
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease (autoimmune diseases are when the body’s immune system turns against a part of the body). Science has yet to determine the causes/prevention of type 1 diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
- Risks factors for diabetes include:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure (140/90 or higher)
- Abnormal cholesterol levels (HDL of 35 or lower, or a triglyceride level of 250 or higher)
- Certain ethnicities (African America, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino)
- Being inactive (exercising less than 2 times a week) also contributes to the development of diabetes
- Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome
- Individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease
- Women who have gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life, and their babies are also at a higher risk of developing diabetes
- If you have a member of your immediate family who suffers from type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to develop it.
- Pre-diabetes generally develops before type 2 diabetes. This is a condition where the blood glucose levels are abnormally high, but before they reach full blown diabetes levels
- Individuals with pre-diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes within 10 years, and are also at a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke
- PREVENTION:
- Studies indicated that people with pre-diabetes cut their risk for developing type 2 diabetes in half by:
- Losing a modest amount of weight through a low-calorie, low-fat diet
- Being physically active (get 150 minutes of physical activity a week)
- Eat healthfully! This can affect your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
- Fall Injuries
(http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/aboutfalls/03.html)
- Facts on falling:
- More than 1.6 million “seniors” go to the ER for fall related injuries.
- Falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence, and injury deaths
- Hip fractures are common and serious among older adults. Only ½ of seniors who have suffered a broken hip can return home or live on their own
- Falls could be indications of other health issues, like diabetes or eyesight problems. Regardless of the seriousness of an older adult’s fall, their medical condition should be checked.
- Fall Prevention
- Many older adults have a fear of falling that prevents them from being active. Interestingly, being active is what can prevent falling. Improving one’s balance and staying active will maintain senior’s physical health and prevent future falls.
- The suggested amount of physical activity is at least 30 min a day
- Homes can be made home safe by adding handrails, ensuring you have proper lighting, and removing loose rugs
- Have blood pressure checked when lying and standing
- Get a vision check up and avoid multifocal glasses when walking
- Wear safe shoes
- Some medications have side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, etc., affecting balance and lending to falls.
- Make sure you are educated on what medications, supplements, and herbs you are taking
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Bone health
- Healthy bones won’t prevent a fall, but can prevent serious injuries from a fall.
- People over the age of 50 should consume at least 1200mg of calcium daily, and get adequate amounts of vitamin D (at least 400-600 IU daily)
- Stay educated: have a bone density test if you are a woman over 65 and a man over 70 to determine your bone health
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol use. Smoking and alcohol can decrease bone mass
- Maintain a healthy weight-being underweight increases the chance of getting broken bones. Conversely, being overweight causes other health complications
- Flu
- Forgetfulness
- Hearing Loss
(http://nihseniorhealth.gov/hearingloss/toc.html)
- CAUSES:
- People often lose their hearing as they age (a condition known as presbycusis). While the causes for this are unknown, it does seem to be genetic.
- Ear infections, when untreated, can lead to long-term hearing loss
- As with balance issues, ototoxic drugs, which damage the inner ear, can cause hearing loss.
- Some people have an abnormal growth of bone (otosclerosis) which causes hearing loss.
- Loud noise is the most common cause of hearing loss. Loud noise also can cause a ringing or buzzing in the ears-known as tinnitus.
- PREVENTION:
- Loud noise is the most easily preventable cause of hearing loss. Noises that are 85 decibels or above are too loud and can cause damage.
- Wear earplugs when around loud machinery or other loud noises
- Lower the volume on stereos and TVs
- Removing earwax blockage can prevent hearing loss.
- Washing your hands frequently can help prevent the ear infection otitis media, which when untreated can do permanent damage to hearing
- If you are on medication, ask if your medicine is ototoxic. If it is, see if you can have your medication replaced by one that does not damage the ear.
- Treatment
- Hearing Aids
- With very severe cases of hearing loss, a cochlear implant (a small electronic devise that picks up sounds and converts them to electrical signals and sends those signals to the brain) may be helpful for those with severe hearing loss in understanding some speech and be more aware of their surroundings
- Heart Disease
- Osteoporosis
(http://nihseniorhealth.gov/osteoporosis/toc.html)
- Over time, our body breaks and replaces bone tissue. Older adults, however, break down more bone than what is replaced, resulting in brittle bones
- Within the bone, the tissue becomes more porous. The more porous the bone ittues is, the more brittle it becomes. Brittle bones, when bumped, are more inclined to fracture.
- Osteoporosis occurs more frequently in women due to the hormone changes they experience post menopause
- Prevention:
- Diet:
- Get plenty of Calcium (foods high in calcium include dairy products, dark green, leafy vegetables, sardines and salmon, almonds, and fortified foods such as cereals and orange juice)
- Vitamin D is essential for the proper absorption of calcium
- Vitamin D is produced when we are exposed to sunlight. However, many individuals do not spend enough time outdoors to get the proper amount of vitamin D. Taking a vitamin D supplement or eating foods high in vitamin D (such as herring, salmon, tuna, and fortified milk) may be necessary to get adequate amounts of vitamin D.
- Get adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Physical Activity:
- Physical activity strengthens bones and muscle through weight bearing exercises.
- Strengthening and balance exercises help to avoid falls, which frequently cause fractured or broken bones. Once a bone is damaged, it is more likely to fracture in the future.
- Smoking:
- Smoking inhibits calcium absorption, and in women, may lower the amount of estrogen
- Maintaining a healthy body weight is important for optimum bone health—women who are thin are at a greater risk for osteoporosis
- Pneumonia
- Sleep and Aging
(http://nihseniorhealth.gov/sleepandaging/aboutsleep/08.html)
- When we sleep our body rejuvenates itself. Adequate sleep is essential for good health and a high quality of life
- Many older adults have a more difficult time falling asleep and spend less time getting quality sleep
- Older adults may produce less melatonin-a hormone that promotes sleep. Older adults may have their sleep disrupted because they have less melatonin, allowing outside disturbances to awaken them throughout their sleep cycles, created more restless sleep
- Sleep is necessary for a high quality of life. Not receiving enough sleep can lead to moodiness, inattentiveness or memory loss, excessive sleepiness throughout the day, and nighttime falls
- Sleep Disorders:
- Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint, affecting nearly 50% of adults over the age of 60
- Symptoms of insomnia can include:
- Taking a long time to fall asleep (30+ minutes)
- Waking up frequently throughout the night
- Waking up very early and being unable to fall back asleep
- Waking up and feeling poorly rested, tired, and a lack of function during the day
- Causes of insomnia can include:
- Neurologic conditions (Parkinson’s disease, dementia)
- Psychiatric conditions (depression)
- Pain from medical conditions (heart burn, arthritis, menopause, cancer, lung disease, etc)
- Prostate enlargement
- Continence issues
- Short-term insomnia from life stresses, such as losing a loved one, relocating, financial concerns
- Medications that negatively affect sleep
- Habits that may affect sleep:
- Napping
- Lack of exercise
- Reduced exposure to sunlight (altering their circadian biologic clock)
- Consuming alcohol
- Consuming caffeine
- Sleep Disordered Breathing is a sleep disorder that frequently leaves people drowsy during the day
- Snoring is a common sleep disorder. It affects around 40% of adults
- Snoring is more common among older adults and those who are overweight
- Snoring occurs when the airway passage from the nose/mouth to the lungs is partially blocked
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MORE ANTI-AGING INFORMATION...
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Anti-Aging Part 4: The Role of the Thymus Gland in Health and Anti-Aging |
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