Actress Bette Davis once famously said, “Old age is not for sissies.” Her summation was blunt — and right on the mark to some degree. That’s because while growing older might be natural, it presents some challenges. Knowing those challenges can help you stay healthy, active, and comfortable as you age.
With locations in Frederick and Clarksburg, Maryland, Primary Care Associates is a leading provider of geriatric care aimed at helping older women and men enjoy better health and greater independence. In this post, our team offers a quick overview of how your health needs may change as you get older, so you can take important steps to help ward off disease and disability.
As we get older, our bodies undergo significant changes that can be just as dramatic as the changes we experienced during puberty — and like puberty, many changes in later life are associated with hormonal changes.
Aging is associated with significant estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone declines. These declines lead to a loss of muscle and bone mass, which means we’re not as strong or flexible as we used to be and are also more prone to falls and other balance problems.
Aging also takes a toll on our vision and hearing. Appetite and sleep patterns often change, too, ushering in new routines and challenges to our physical and emotional health. For instance, we may need to pay extra attention to our food to meet our nutritional needs.
Many older people have more aches and pains as years of wear and tear take their toll on joints and other parts of the musculoskeletal system. Chronic diseases have also become a lot more common, affecting as many as 95% of people over 65.
Cognitive decline is one of many people's biggest worries as they age. While a gradual decline in memory and other cognitive functions occurs as the brain ages, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia almost exclusively affect older women and men.
Regular checkups with our team allow us to look for early signs of cognitive impairment that may be arrested or slowed through multiple types of therapy. During your visit, we can suggest simple lifestyle changes that can help you avoid serious cognitive decline, including:
These activities can also help prevent depression and anxiety which occur in surprisingly large numbers among older men and women.
Of course, this list of changes is far from comprehensive, and aging affects everyone differently. Nevertheless, seeing a doctor skilled in geriatric medicine plays an essential role in ensuring your healthcare evolves as your needs change, so you can avoid serious problems and continue to enjoy your independent lifestyle.
Regular checkups allow our team to look for signs of chronic and acute medical problems that respond best when treated early. If you already have a chronic disease, those visits are important for ensuring your treatment plan stays on track.
Plus, during your visits, our team provides lifestyle guidance aimed at helping you stay healthy now and in the future. And, of course, we're ready to answer your questions and discuss your concerns so you can feel confident in your care and health.
Getting older may present challenges, but by optimizing your health and wellness, you can overcome many obstacles and continue to enjoy your best life. To learn how we can help, book an appointment online or over the phone with Primary Care Associates today.
