Monday, September 13, 2004
Healthy Aging Month
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Americans are getting older. If you were born between 1946 and 1964, you are a baby boomer — one of 76 million persons in the United States who will turn 65 between 2011 and 2030, according to U.S. Census records. One hundred years ago the United States had only three million people or 4 percent of the population older than 65. By 2030, 20 percent of Americans will have celebrated their 65th birthday. The aging of the population brings new demands to the health-care industry — the need to prepare health-care professionals who understand the special needs of geriatric patients. To help meet this demand, the School of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of Southern Indiana has two faculty members — Dr. Martha Sparks and B. Renee Dugger — who are certified as clinical specialists in gerontological nursing. Despite the inevitably of advancing age, most people can take constructive steps to help ensure that they remain vigorous in their older years. Sparks said, “To plan for healthy aging, you need to start as soon as possible — the earlier, the better.” The month of September is set aside as Healthy Aging Month by the Healthy Aging Campaign, a national health promotion designed to broaden awareness of the positive aspects of aging. To mark the occasion, Sparks offers tips and observations about maintaining a high quality of life throughout the lifespan: • Preventive services. Be sure that you receive all recommended screenings and immunizations. Prevention and early recognition help prevent or manage potential health problems. “The problems that we associate with aging are not usually related to aging,” Sparks said. “They’re related to diseases. If we can prevent the disease, we can prevent a lot of the problems that older people have.” Illnesses diagnosed during an early stage are more likely to be curable than those diagnosed when the person starts having symptoms. • Nutrition. Sparks advises a heart-healthy diet that is low in both cholesterol and concentrated carbohydrates. “A diet healthy for the heart is also protective for cognitive function,” she said. She also recommends a diet that emphasizes calcium and Vitamin D to prevent bone loss and adequate intake of protein and iron to prevent anemia, which is often thought of as a consequence of aging. “Anemia is not a normal part of aging,” she said. Another aspect of proper nutrition for healthy aging is adequate consumption of fluids. “Kidney function is one function that does tend to decrease with age,” she said. “As you age, you should drink enough fluids to enable the body to rid itself of waste.” Tobacco and alcohol. Avoid tobacco for its relationship to various cancers and its detrimental effect on cardiovascular health. While research may indicate that one beer or glass of wine per day can be therapeutic, Sparks said that greater amounts can become problematic. • Physical activity. Participation in exercise can help a person maintain muscle strength, muscle and bone mass, and mobility. “We used to think that a decrease in muscle mass and strength was a part of aging, but we find that’s not true for people who exercise,” Sparks said. She advises exercising for 30 minutes three times a week getting the pulse up to 140 beats per minute. Many individuals find that swimming keeps them fit. Walking also is excellent. Stress management. A person’s philosophy toward life often determines the ability to manage stress. “There are some stress management programs that help people cope,” Sparks said. “Also, exercise, meditation, and learning to say ‘no” help with that.” Social contact. “Social contact enhances all of the other things we’ve talked about,” Sparks said. “People are more likely to eat well and exercise if they eat and exercise with others.” Spirituality. “However you define spirituality, a focus on something other than your own physical limitations is helpful,” she said. Planning. Financial planning should start early. Make decisions regarding insurance needs, retirement accounts, and estate planning. Also, consider your housing options. Individuals living in a one-level house with wide doors and few steps often can maintain an independent lifestyle far longer than those with more physically challenging living arrangements. The USI School of Nursing and Health Professions offers a minor in gerontology. Students preparing to care for senior adults learn about health-care issues and clinical problems common to the older adult, age-related body changes, long-term care, and other topics. |
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