Health in retirement 2010/11 Seminar program Presented by Australian & New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine

Health in retirement

2010/11 Seminar program

Presented by Australian & New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine

Healthy Ageing

Dr. Mohammed A. Khateeb MBBS (Pakistan), PGCert (Kuwait), DPM.Ed.(Harvard), FRACP (Australia) MEMBER: Australia New Zealand Society of Geriatric Medicine American Geriatrics Society Australian Medical Association, Gold Coast Medical Association Internal Medicine Society of ANZ International Society To Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment

•

General and Geriatric Medicine

Staff SpecialistPrince Charles Hospital

Visiting Consultant

Logan Specialists Centre, Springwood Ph: 07 32085552 John Flynn Private Hospital, Gold Coast Ph: 07 55980234

Today we’ll look at

• Normal ageing• Important issues• Prevention – what you can do!

© Australia & New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine

What does ageing mean?

• Ageing does not imply ill health• Biological age vs chronological age

– ‘old and infirm’ – not necessarily true– ‘you’re as old as you feel’ – very true

• Aim is to reduce impact of ageing on health and function


Never assume it’s just due to old age


Normal ageing

• The senses:– Reduced dark adaptation– Loss of high tones– Reduced sound localisation– Reduced smell

• Skin thinner and drier• Reduced thirst awareness• Reduced temperature appreciation


Normal ageing

• Reduced respiratory reserve• Reduced maximal heart rate• Slowed gastrointestinal activity• Reduced kidney reserves and reduced

ability to concentrate urine• Prostatic enlargement


Normal ageing

• Slow physiological decline• Decreased muscle mass, strength, and

co-ordination• Increased incidence of disease• Reduced overall reserve


Important issues

• Blood pressure– Monitor with GP

• Medications– Know what you take and what they are for

• Osteoarthritis– Not a normal part of ageing

• Osteoporosis– Treatable and preventable


Important issues

• Dementia– Memory loss not a feature of normal

ageing• Incontinence

– Can be treated/controlled – seek medical advice

• Sexual function – Never make assumptions


Prevention – what you can do!

• Mind– Maintain it by exercising it

• Body– Exercise, nutrition, weight

• Soul– Positive attitude, flexible, open minded


Exercise for body

• Improve flexibility, strength• Self image and feel good• Weight control• Choose activities you enjoy• Make it a part of your life


Nutrition

• Balanced diet – less fat, more fibre• Adequate water intake• Stop smoking• Moderate alcohol intake


Weight – obesity

• Maintain healthy weight• Know what is right for you

– regular checkups• Exercise• Nutrition and water


Conclusion

• Care for your mind, body, and soul• Majority of retirees are healthy• Find a good GP• Feeling unwell is not part of normal ageing –

consult your doctor if you have symptoms• Above all else be active and enjoy yourself!


The Fountain of Youth

Normal Ageing

We start to age from the moment we are born.

We do not all age in the same way.

Ageing does not imply ill health

The truth…

“You’re as old as you feel”

By 2050, the Australian population is forecast bythe ABS to increase by 36%. Dementia willincrease nearly fourfold

Not Diagnosed Yet..

I’m 65Will I get to 85?

• Men - 40%

• Women - 60%

At 65, how long much longer do you think you are going to live?

• Is this superannuation going to last?

• Men - 18 years• Women - 21 years

But remember it’s not just the years you add to life,

but life to the years !

Facts about ageing

In 2000, there were 600 million people aged over 60; there will be 1.2 billion by 2025 and 2 billion by 2050.

In the developed world, the very old (age 80+) is the fastest growing population group.

Women outlive men in virtually all societies; in very old age, the ratio of women/men is 2:1.

Fact 2

Population ageing is a triumph of modern society.

It reflects improving global health, but also raises special challenges in both developing and developed countries.

http://www.who.int/about/brochure_en.pdf

Global Recession ?

Ageing is a global phenomenon.

The world's elderly population - people 60 years of age and older - is the fastest growing age group.

By 2050 about 75% of elderly will be living in developing countries.

http://www.who.int/about/brochure_en.pdf

Special Problems of Elderly• Multi-factorial • Atypical • “Silent” • Chronic • Multi Medications • Psychological issues (life change)• Neglect

• A Question of Care ?

Could it be dementia?

Diagnose Dementia Early

Specific treatment

May slow underlying disease process, the sooner the better

May delay nursing home placement

Diagnose Dementia Early

Safety (driving, compliance, cooking, etc.)

Family stress and misunderstanding (blame, denial)

Early education of caregivers on how to handle patient

Advance planning while patient is competent

Patient’s and Family’s right to know

Diagnosing anything...

http://www.housetv.org/imgs/hugh.jpg

Protective factors for Alzheimer’s disease

Possible Unlikely

Physical activity

Ongoing intellectual stimulation

Leisure/social activities

Higher education

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Cholesterol lowering drugs (statins)

Blood pressure lowering drugs for those with high blood pressure

Moderate alcohol intake (b)

(b) This may depend on gene status as some studies have found that moderate alcohol is not protective for those with the apolipoprotein E – epsilon 4 allele.

Drugs used to treat established Alzheimer’s

Omega-3 fatty acids

PRIMARY GOAL OF TREATMENT

• To enhance quality of life and

• maximize functional performance

• improve cognition, mood, and behaviour

Do You wish to live forever?

Want to remain young forever?

Want to remain healthy forever?

Is the road easy??

THANK YOU

And Live Well !

Insha Allah!

Documents

Health in retirement 2010/11 Seminar program Presented by Australian & New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine