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Happy
Golden Years
Ageing is a privilege and
a societal achievement. It is also a
challenge which will impact all aspects
of the 21st century. World Health
Organization
For centuries, men and women
have been on the quest for eternal youth.
This quest is clearly seen with the
current abundance of anti-ageing and
wellness products on the market that
promise increased lifespan and vitality.
Have you ever asked yourself these
questions: Is ageing inevitable? Does it
have to be accompanied by frailty and
disease? Do my mental faculties have to
decrease with age?
Most of us are impacted by the thought of
ageing. This may be in the way we feel
about the way we look or feel in our
body, or perhaps in the added
responsibilities related to a family
member or friend. Many of us continue to
work towards increasing both the length
of our life and its quality. We wish for
ourselves longer, more enriched and
purposeful lives and we wish for less
sickness and fewer signs of ageing.
Life expectancy
Now, with todays leaps in
medical research and development, it
appears possible for us to live far
longer than ever thought possible. Many
people alive today would not have lived
to see their fifth birthday in another
era. The factors driving this extension
in life expectancy are numerous. However,
its believed that attention to nutrition,
fitness and sanitation and the
introduction of life-saving medications
have contributed greatly.
The challenge of this increased life
expectancy is what quality of life can we
expect and how does this impact on
society? Today, there are approximately
600 million people aged over 60 and
statistics provided by the World Health
Organization (WHO) indicate there will be
1.2 billion by 2025. WHO predicts, with
this increase, there will also be an
explosion in non-communicable diseases
(NCD) such as heart disease, cancer and
depression and a lack of necessary care
for these conditions. Dr Brundtland of
WHO also points out a healthy population
is a prerequisite for economic growth and
that increased longevity will pose
enormous human and social costs unless
preventative action is taken now. More
than ever, there is a need to focus on
early detection, prevention and reversal
of degenerative diseases so our extended
life will be one of vitality and mental
clarity.
Leading aged-care expert, Professor John
McCallum, Dean of the College of Social
and Health Sciences at the University of
Western Sydney, is also calling for
better aged-care options. A recent study
by him reveals that most Australians
would prefer better aged-care services in
their own home to entering a nursing
facility or hostel. He says older
Australians are determined to maintain
their independence. However, at present,
national surveys show that over half of
older Australians who cannot care for
themselves are currently not in their own
homes. Its likely that many find
themselves in residential care because
theres no other option available to them.
Older people who are healthy are a
precious resource. They are able to make
an important and necessary contribution
to their families, communities and
national economies, whether it be through
formal or informal labour or volunteer
work, according to their own preferences
and capacities.
Theories of aging
Theres generally believed to
be two types of ageing: wear-and-tear
ageing (degenerative diseases) and active
ageing (such as telomere shortening).
More scientific thinking believe in five
theories of ageing:
1. The neuro-endocrine theory of
ageing links the ageing process of the
hypothalamus to related structures of the
brain and proposes that ageing is caused
by a progressive loss of sensitivity to
the bodys negative feedback system.
2. The genetic theory of ageing,
or the molecular clock theory of ageing,
links the ageing process to genetic
predisposition and structure of the
chromosomes, particularly telomeres.
3. The environmental theory of
ageing links the ageing process to poor
diet, inadequate exercise and exposure to
toxins.
4. The free radical theory of
ageing, or the cross-linking theory of
ageing, links cumulative effects of free
radical degeneration, especially free
radical- induced damage in the
mitochondria of the cells, to the
progression of the ageing process.
5. The pineal theory of ageing
links the decline and atrophy of the
pineal gland that occurs in tandem with
the ageing process.
(Source: Dr M Elstein, Brain Longevity)
Not long ago, we thought of 50 or 60 as
old. Today, we regard this perception as
a thing of the past. There are
anti-ageing devotees trying to rid
themselves of free radicals, the toxins
found in tobacco, alcohol and fatty and
processed foods. Others put their faith
in the burgeoning field of
nanotechnology, machines so tiny they can
live inside human cells where they can
perform non-invasive surgery and correct
the effects of ageing. For others, there
is cryonics, which is putting your body
in a deep-freeze until it can be
reawakened after scientists perfect the
healthy chocolate bar.
Interest in longevity and healthy ageing
is accelerating, if only because baby
boomers have entered the other side of 50
without an escape plan. Is there a
practical, scientific and effective
approach to life extension? Some of the
current scientifically sound
recommendations concerning lifestyle and
diet may even slow or reverse our common
degenerative diseases. There are, in
fact, many ways to extend our lifespan in
a healthy manner.
Healthy aging
In the pursuit of longevity,
the basic suggestion is: what happens in
the younger stages of the health span
affects what comes later and proactive
interventions can have a positive impact
on health, even when they begin in middle
or older age. Attention to diet,
exercise, tobacco cessation and early
identification of risk factors are all
potential first steps. For example, its
important to lower cholesterol levels
through diet and exercise.In addition,
there are those who now believe its
possible to focus on the physiological
mechanisms of ageing rather than the
large array of debilitating and costly
disorders that emerge during the latter
half of our lifespan.
Recently, there has been a profound shift
in the medical industry, with multiple
disciplines coming together to share in
their approach to ageing and age-related
diseases. In a World Health Network
report (2001), its suggested that with
early detection and appropriate
intervention, most of these diseases can
be prevented, cured, or have their
downward course reversed. The American
Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)
states: As an extension of preventative
health care, anti-aging medicine is the
next great model of health care for the
new millennium. This is based on the
early detection, prevention, and reversal
of aging-related diseases. To alleviate
the burden of a growing aging population,
anti-aging medicine promises years of
extended physical vitality and mental
clarity.
While fear of death may be an important
issue for many of us, the larger
motivation appears to be a desire to
experience more of life. As we deepen our
understanding of balance and wellness,
the possibility of a longer life is
increasingly attractive. With the future
of medicine across the globe offering us
realistic options that shatter ageing
illusions, getting old as we know it will
become a thing of the past. One of the
prime concerns we face as a global
community is what, where and how to care
for this rapidly increasing ageing
population? There will be a need to renew
our way of caring for those who cannot
live on their own and re-organisation of
our home and workplace.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a major cause
of disability and chronic pain. The
Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated
about 2.66 million Australians suffer
from arthritis, representing about 15 per
cent of the population. While its more
common in the elderly, and especially in
women, arthritis can affect people of any
age. Arthritis comprises a variety of
diseases and related conditions that
affect the movable joints of the body:
knees, wrists, elbows, fingers, toes,
hips, and shoulders. Prevailing myths
have portrayed arthritis as an old
persons disease, an inevitable part of
ageing that must be endured. However,
effective interventions are available to
prevent much of the burden of arthritis
and its complications. Some forms of
arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, can be
prevented with weight control and
precautions to avoid certain occupational
and sports injuries. Similarly, the pain
and disability accompanying all types of
arthritis can be minimised through early
diagnosis and appropriate management,
including diet and nutrient supplements,
weight control, physical activity,
self-management, physical and
occupational therapy, and joint
replacement therapy where indicated.
Asthma
About one in 10 Australians
have asthma and each year about 700
people die from the disease. Most of
these deaths can be prevented if asthma
is treated properly. Many people dont
realise that asthma is a disease that can
develop at any age. According to asthma
specialists, asthma in older people often
develops so slowly they dont realise
anything is wrong. Sometimes the only
symptom is increasing breathlessness
while doing normal, everyday tasks.
Anyone who has symptoms such as a
persistent, irritable cough or difficulty
breathing should see their doctor.
Although theres no cure for asthma, there
are many things that asthmatics can do to
prevent an attack.
Cancer
The National Cancer
Statistics Clearing House of AIHW reports
that nearly 80,000 new cases of cancer
are diagnosed each year. This equates to
an average risk of one in three men, and
one in four women being directly affected
by cancer. Its estimated that more than
two-thirds of cancers could be prevented
by various lifestyle changes; for
example, not smoking, having a good diet,
taking a good multi-vitamin and doing
regular exercise.
Don't be a statistic:
Currently, one in
two Australians will develop skin
cancer at some stage during their
lives.
Breast cancer is the
most commonly diagnosed cancer
and the most common cause of
death from cancer in women in
Australia.
Bowel cancer is the
second most common cancer in both
men and women. Theres a strong
link between bowel cancer and
diet; in fact, about 50 per cent
of bowel cancer is attributed to
dietary factors. A low-fat,
high-fibre diet may be beneficial
in preventing bowel cancer.
Another preventive strategy is to
screen for bowel cancer, enabling
the detection of either polyps or
cancer at an early stage when
treatment is most effective.
Over 10,000 men aged
50 years plus are diagnosed with
prostate cancer each year, making
this the most common cancer in
males. All men should be aware of
their risk and consider being
tested for it regularly from age
50 onwards, or from 40 onwards if
a parent or brother has been
diagnosed. However, before
undergoing testing, men should be
fully informed of the
consequences that may accompany
testing if further examination
proves to be necessary (such as
possible impotence and
incontinence).
Lung cancer is the
most common cancer to cause
death. Tobacco smoking is the
single most common cause of lung
cancer.
Diabetes is the worlds
fastest-growing disease. Over one
million Australians have it but
50 per cent are as yet unaware.
If you say yes to two or more of
the following, youre at high risk
for developing diabetes or you
may be one of the estimated
400,000 people in Australia who
have the disease without knowing
it.
I am over 40 years
old.
I have (or have had)
a blood relative with diabetes.
I have had a baby
weighing more than 4kg, or have
had diabetes during pregnancy.
I dont exercise
regularly (ie exercise less than
half an hour per day, three days
per week).
My waist measurement
is more than 100cm (for a man) or
more than 95cm (for a woman).
My blood pressure is
higher than 140/90 or I take
blood pressure medication.
I was born in
Southern Europe, the Middle East,
Southeast Asia, am Polynesian, or
Asian Indian.
I have two or more
of the following symptoms: I
urinate excessively, am always
thirsty, have just lost weight
for no reason, sometimes have
numbness or tingling in my feet
or legs, have blurred vision, am
always tired, have itching skin
or often have skin infections.
(Source: NSW Health, 1999.)
One reason why so many people
around the world, including
Australia, are dying prematurely
of diabetes is because of
ignorance about its dangers. When
diabetes is undiagnosed or
uncontrolled, theres a high risk
of complications like heart
disease, stroke, kidney failure,
blindness, limb amputation and
impotence.
Heart disease
One Australian dies every 10
minutes of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes a
variety of heart diseases, stroke and
related vascular diseases. CVD is largely
preventable if current knowledge is put
into practice. About 80 per cent of the
adult population in Australia have at
least one of the following cardiovascular
risk factors:
Tobacco smoking.
Physical inactivity.
High blood pressure.
Overweight.
This Web site is intended
for Australian residents and is not a
substitute for independent professional
advice. Information and interactions
contained in this Web site are for
information purposes only and are not
intended to be used to diagnose, treat,
cure or prevent any disease. Further, the
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Services, Its Affiliates or agents do not
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