In a society that often treats aging as something to avoid or overcome, it can be easy to overlook the joy and beauty of getting older. With age can come wisdom gained and insecurities and hang-ups shed.
As we age, health needs and risks also change. To maintain optimal health and well-being, it’s important to understand those factors.
To gain insights into common considerations, we checked in with Dr. Ellen Wenberg, a Family Medicine Physician and Geriatrician.
“I find it gratifying to care for our vulnerable and often-overlooked elderly population,” Dr. Wenberg says. “I enjoy helping older adults manage their complex health conditions and working to improve their quality of life, while hearing their life stories and forming lasting relationships with them and their families.”
Age Adjustments
1. Sleep
As we age, the amount of sleep we need doesn’t change, but slumber patterns often do. Most adults should strive for seven to eight hours of sleep. Older adults often find themselves both going to bed and arising earlier. For example, that might mean sleeping from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. instead of a more classic 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Sleep challenges become more common with age. Around 30% of people ages 65 and older experience some kind of sleep difficulty, according to healthyaging.org. Problems can include trouble falling or staying asleep, excessive sleepiness or napping, and discomfort or breathing problems associated with sleep.
Poor sleep quality raises many risk factors. These include blood pressure problems, dementia, and depression. It’s important to talk with your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping. They can recommend lifestyle changes that can help you manage sleep problems.
2. Hearing loss
This is a common issue. Approximately one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 experience hearing loss. Often, it happens gradually. The affected person might not perceive a problem immediately. Instead, a loved one or friend might pick up on the deficit first.
When a person can’t hear, it affects many aspects of their life. Hearing loss can up the risk for isolation, depression, dementia, and falls.
If you’re struggling to hear, talk to your doctor or see an audiologist. Hearing aids are a blessing for many people. While they can’t restore normal hearing, they can improve hearing and quality of life.
3. Medication management
Start with maintaining a list of all your meds. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and even products like skin creams and eye drops. Some over-the-counter meds are safe for younger people but not older individuals. You want your physician to know everything you’re taking.
Review your list of meds regularly, and ensure it’s up to date. Discuss any side effects with your doctor. Don’t stop taking a medication without talking with your health care team first.
Your doctor can help with many aspects of your medication management. These include streamlining the number of medications you’re taking, watching for drug interactions, and even helping address affordability concerns.
4. Heart Health
Heart disease is the top killer of men and women alike, and the incidence increases with age. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Hypertension also ups the risk for stroke, dementia, and depression.
As you age, it’s important to make healthy lifestyle choices. These include managing weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular physical activity. It’s also crucial to stay on top of routine wellness visits. Your primary care provider can help you track and manage heart health.
5. Screenings
These are tests aimed at preventing and detecting illness. Those needs change with age and risk factors.
Typical screening needs in older adults include:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Weight
- Hearing
- Vision
- Dementia
- Depression
- Osteoporosis — women ages 65-plus
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm — one-time screening for men between 65 and 75 with a history of smoking
The need for cancer screenings changes with age. After the age of 70 or 75, tests such as mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopies, and prostate screenings often become unnecessary. Your primary care provider will help determine when you no longer need these screenings.
6. Falls
Falls are the leading cause of serious illness and injury in older adults. Falling in and of itself is a risk factor for future falls. It’s important to understand two key points. Falls are preventable, and they’re not just a normal part of aging.
If you fall, talk to your doctor, even if you’re not injured. Your doctor can review your medications to see if they’re leading to side effects such as dizziness or muscle weakness.
You can also take proactive steps. Studies show that physical therapy, exercise, yoga, and tai chi can help prevent falls.
7. Loneliness
Social isolation increases the risk for heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. Try some simple strategies to reduce loneliness.Set aside a specific time to call loved ones or friends, join a book club, stay active in church or community organizations, or volunteer. Getting outside and staying physically active also can boost mood.
If you’re experiencing severe loneliness or other mental health concerns, talk to your doctor. You can also explore behavioral health treatment options through ThedaCare.
8. Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Memory loss is common with age, but it’s also preventable. Brain and heart health share many similarities. Heart-healthy habits also benefit the brain. Exercising, quitting smoking, and managing diabetes and high blood pressure can also help stave off memory loss.
Caring for Yourself or a Loved One
As we age, it helps to have a community. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or you’re seeking support for yourself, MyThedaCare has tools that can help. Granting proxy access to another person allows them to help manage your care. To sign up for proxy access, log in to MyThedaCare and navigate to Account Settings and select ‘Adult Proxy Invite.’ From Account Settings, you can also request proxy access to and adult.
For comprehensive information on age-related health concerns, visit healthyaging.org. And remember that your primary care provider is here for you, whether you have new concern or you’re managing a chronic condition. They’re your trusted partner in helping you stay healthy and well as you age.
