As the nation turns 59 tomorrow, Meera Murugesan examines the risk factors of growing older and how those approaching 60 can age better
REACHING 60 years is a major milestone. The responsibilities of work and family are done with and now, time can be spent on one’s own terms.
People today are living longer and fuller lives. According to the Global Health and Ageing report by the World Health Organisation and the United States National Institute on Aging and National Institutes of Health, in 2010, there was an estimated 524 million people aged 65 or older (that’s eight per cent of the world population).
By 2050, this number is expected to nearly triple to about 1.5 billion, representing 16 per cent of the world population.
But hitting 60 and earning the title senior citizen means facing not only a newfound freedom but also the health risks that come with age.
Understanding these health conditions and knowing how to manage them can ensure that the 60s will be as fruitful as any other decade.
Below are the eight major health problems that people in their 60s may face:
1. ARTHRITIS
It’s estimated that nearly half of all elderly people suffer from some form of arthritis. It’s a painful condition that affects many parts of the body such as the hip, knees, feet, hands and shoulders and can impact mobility and quality of life.
Weight management is crucial for joint health and although the pain of arthritis may discourage seniors from being active, doing steady, regular exercises without over-exertion is beneficial.
2. OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis and low bone mass affects many people in their 60s, especially women. The condition causes bones to break more easily and take longer to heal. As a result, any fall may lead to hospital admission.
According to WHO statistics, 1.7 million hip fractures occurred worldwide in 1990 and this is expected to rise to six million in 2050.
For bone health, limiting foods with high acidic content and ensuring adequate intake of calcium, Vitamin D and protein is as important as cutting out smoking and alcohol.
Being inactive will result in muscles and bones losing strength, so regular, age-appropriate exercise is important.
3. ALZHEIMER’S
Alzheimer’s is one of the most common forms of dementia among the elderly. This diseases affects the brain cells responsible for memory, thinking and behaviour and can be highly debilitating in its final stages.
Symptoms generally start showing after 60 and the risk increases with age. The US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) estimates that the number of people with Alzheimer’s doubles every five years beyond age 65.
Drugs and non-drug treatments may be prescribed to help with cognitive and behavioural symptoms.
4. EYE DISEASES
Cataract and glaucoma are two of the common vision problems that the elderly face. Cataract (clouding of the eye lenses) is extremely common among people over 60 but can be treated with a simple operation while glaucoma, if left untreated, can cause tunnel vision and even blindness. However, early detection can help avoid these complications.
Having regular eye examinations is crucial for the elderly to avoid vision problems, which not only affect their quality of life but also increases the risk of tripping, falling and injury.
5. HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss is common and needs to be addressed as it can lead to withdrawal from social activities which, in turn, causes loneliness and depression.
Hearing loss among senior citizens tends to happen gradually, so many people may not even realise why they are struggling to take part in everyday conversations or constantly asking those around them to repeat themselves.
Getting medical help, undergoing the necessary tests and wearing a hearing aid if required is important. Explaining the situation to family and friends is also crucial so they can be supportive.
6. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD)
The American Heart Association estimates that heart disease accounts for more than 20 per cent of all deaths among men and women aged 65-74.
According to the World Heart Federation, while a man generally has a higher risk than a pre-menopausal woman for CVD, once a woman reaches menopause, the risk evens out for both genders.
Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, conditions which many seniors already struggle with, put them at higher risk for heart disease and stroke, so these conditions need to be properly managed with diet, medication, exercise and lifestyle changes.
7. CANCER
With age comes an increased risk for certain cancers among men and women. Although women can get breast cancer at any time, the risk increases with age and women over 70 are particularly at risk.
According to the American Cancer Society, two out of three invasive breast cancers are found in women aged 55 and above.
For men, age brings the risk of prostate cancer and most men diagnosed with the disease tend to be above 50; in the early stages, there may not be any symptom.
Regular screening and checkups are the best way to detect age-related cancers at an early stage.
8. PARKINSON’S
This chronic neurological disorder affects the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Over time, the patient’s condition gets worse, severely affecting speech, facial expression, posture, balance and movement.
Most people acquire the disease at about 60 years or older. Although there’s no cure at the moment, medication can help control some of the symptoms.
Sources
WebMD
Women’s Health 60-plus and Men’s Health 60-plus-www.nhs.uk
TESTS FOR FOLKS IN THEIR 60S
TO maintain overall health, people in their 60s should consider having certain immunisations and health screenings. These include:
• Annual flu vaccine.
• Blood pressure screening annually or as recommended.
• Bone density test at age 60 or 65 years.
• Clinical breast exam and mammogram (for women), annually or as recommended.
• Colonoscopy every 10 years from age 50 or as recommended.
• Dental check-up every six months or as recommended.
• Rectal exam and faecal occult blood test annually or as recommended.
• An eye exam annually or as recommended.
• Fasting blood glucose test every three years or as recommended.
• Hepatitis vaccines as suggested by a doctor.
• Pap smear (for women) every three to five years or as recommended, at least until age 65.
• Pelvic examination (for women) every year or as recommended.
• Pneumonia vaccine at age 65 or as recommended.
• PSA test for prostate cancer (for men).
• Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine at age 60 or older (if not vaccinated at 60).
Source: “Healthy Living In Your 60s” www.healthcommunities.com/healthy-aging