CARING FOR THE AGING BODY

Those who were born in the early 1900's in the United States had a life expectancy of about 50 years. Today's life expectancy is around 77. Advances in medicine, nutrition, and science are helping more people live longer, healthier lives. To maximize this potential, aging people have to take action to keep themselves in the best health possible. A healthy diet, exercise, meaningful activities, social contacts, and regular medical testing are all vital maintaining elderly health. THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM Over time, the heart becomes a less efficient pump, and the blood vessels become less elastic. High blood pressure often develops. Hardened fatty deposits may develop on the walls of the arteries, blocking the flow of blood. It is important to get adequate exercise and eat heart-healthy foods. NUTRITION often becomes a problem because of changes in health and lifestyle. The elderly may lose their appetites because they are depressed, reacting to medication, or find chewing painful. If they live alone, it may seem like too much trouble to plan or cook meals for one, or they may eat constantly to alleviate boredom. Eating disorders in the elderly are rare, but they may develop as a way of handling the stresses of aging and loneliness. If an elderly person is having trouble managing his or her food intake, consider a modified form of elderly care in an independent living facility where nutritious meals are supplied as well as a number of interesting organized activities. BONES, JOINTS, and MUSCLES After the age of 35, bones begin to shrink in size and density. People often becomes shorter and more susceptible to fracture. Osteoporosis may develop. Weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium intake are important to counteract this trend Joints tend to become stiffer, and muscles lose their strength. It is important to keep using the muscles and flexing the joints. Exercise programs, dancing, knitting, and playing musical instruments can help. THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Swallowing and the movement of food through the intestines slow down. Secretions from the stomach, liver, pancreas, and small intestine may decrease. Constipation becomes a more common problem, especially if the elderly person has a poor appetite and is not very active. It is important to eat regularly, include adequate fiber, cut the food into smaller pieces and chew carefully before swallowing. VISION As they age, eyes are less able to produce tears, the retinas thin, and the lenses gradually turn yellow. Pupils become less responsive, making it difficult to adapt to changes in light. The optometrist or primary care physician may suggest some food supplements to help maintain eye health It is important to have regular eye health check-ups, even if glasses are not needed. HEARING One in three people over 60 and half of all people over 85 have significant hearing loss. The hair cells of the inner ears may have been damaged by loud noises over the years. The walls of the auditory canals have thinned, and the eardrums have thickened. It may become difficult to hear high frequencies or follow a conversation in a crowded room. Some people experience tinnitus, a constant noise in the ears. Hearing aids can help, but they will never perform as well as young ears did. Wireless headphones can be a big help in listening to TV, radio, or music without disturbing others. THE URINARY SYSTEM Kidneys gradually become less efficient in removing waste from the bloodstream. The dosage of some medications may have to be reduced. About 30 per cent of people over 65 experience a loss of bladder control. If this occurs, a doctor should check for underlying causes. There are medications that help. If all else fails, a wide range of bladder protection products are available in drugstores. Men often experience difficulties voiding, or may have problems with leaking, because of an enlarged prostrate. They may avoid talking to a doctor, because they are embarrassed or worried about cancer. Prostrate cancer is easily tested for. Even if cancer develops, it is very slow-growing and may never require radical treatment. DIABETES It has been said that everyone develops Type II diabetes if s/he lives long enough. The quality of the insulin produced by the body decreases, while the body becomes more insulin-resistant. This is a chronic and progressive condition which can be managed through diet, exercise, and medication. Many patients have difficulty adjusting to the restrictions required, and may become angry, rebellious, or depressed. Encouragement from health care professionals, support groups, and family and friends is important to face this life-long challenge. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM The number or neurons in the brain connections decreases, and memory becomes less efficient. Reflexes become slower, and movements are less co-ordinated. Learning new skills, solving puzzles, and keeping active will help. TEETH Even with meticulous care, teeth may darken and become more brittle. The mouth may feel drier and the gums recede. Oral cancer develops more frequently in the elderly. It is important to get good dental care, both to preserve teeth and to avoid gum disease. Most adults can keep their natural teeth all their lives. SLEEP Contrary to common belief, sleep needs change little throughout adulthood. However, it is harder to get adequate sleep as one gets older because people tend to sleep less soundly. A nap in the daytime might be helpful, but too much napping will disrupt sleep patterns. Sleep aids can give short-term relief, but will create more problems if they are used long-term. MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Changes in lifestyle and body function, loss of beloved family members, and loss of meaningful work all contribute to feelings of futility, helplessness, and grief. Elderly depression is very common. It is important to encourage elderly people to keep as much control of their lives as possible, to solve their own problems, to look after themselves, and to continue seeing people, engaging in meaningful activities, and making new friends. Arrangements for elderly care should consider emotional issues as well as physical ones. Learn more about this author, Christine G..

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