DIY Doctor

We all age ­ it is inevitable!
Many things affect our lives: family and domestic concerns and developments; social events, work and career issues, financial and money matters. The extent to which these issues influence and change our lives vary from person to person and from family to family. Our lives may run relatively smoothly or we may face constant pressures and problems. What is certain to affect our lives is that we will age and with that, our health will deteriorate to some degree. Whether it is our eyesight, our bones, facial wrinkles, hair loss in men, our teeth, respiratory problems, general aches and pains or more serious illnesses associated with the ageing process, it is certain that we will grow old.

You can influence the ageing process!
The degree to which our health deteriorates varies enormously. Some people live well into their nineties with most major faculties in place – others seem to be in poor health from their sixties and never seem to enjoy sound health. Research does show that adopting a reasonably healthy lifestyle in our early years can help! If we drink in moderation, avoid smoking and other substance abuse / addictions, avoid major stress and exercise regularly, then we can to some extent, avoid serious health problems. Unfortunately, we all know of someone who led a ‘blameless’ life – avoided all major temptations, but was affected by serious illness. There may be genetic factors passed on from generation to generation and our ability to influence these may be severely limited.

Older people and health
The charity ‘Age Concern’ provide a number of statistics which support the link between age and our health in the UK:

• Over one in two people aged between 65-74 and nearly two in three people aged 75+ have a long-standing illness. This compares with around one in three of the general population who have a long-standing illness.

• Nearly one in five of the population aged 80+ suffer from dementia.

• One in six accidents in the home involves people who are aged 65+

• It is estimated that nearly half of fatalities in road crashes are over the age of 60.

1. Reluctant to report problems and disabilities
   Understandably, as we age, we may not want to admit that we are having problems i.e. facing eyesight, or physical tiredness – we all know of people who continue to undertake tasks as though they are 20 years younger! The danger is that they are unable or unwilling to talk about their problems and their health deteriorates to the point where there may be serious damage.

2. Drugs and surgery
   Prescribing drugs and undertaking surgical procedures need to be approached with caution as they may have unacceptable side affects, either mental or physical.

3. Feeling of isolation
   Living alone is more common with the elderly ­ around one in five men aged 65-74 live alone and around two in five women live alone. Amongst the 75+ nearly one third of men live alone and over a half are women who live alone. The feeling of isolation may be due to families moving away / losing touch, diminishing circle of friends, or retirement and the feeling of self-worth.

4. Bereavement
   Understandably, the death of a spouse can hit people really hard. Someone inextricably linked to another for four or more decades can feel a tremendous void when their partner passes away.

5. Depression
   Depression can be acute in the elderly and this can adversely affect diet, exercise and general health. Suicide, whilst being rare, is more common in men than women.

6. Financial Pressures
   It is estimated that nearly three quarters of pensioner households depend on state benefits for at least 50% of their income. Over 10% rely on state benefits for all their income. The elderly also spend more on basic necessities – housing, fuel and food – than other age groups. Financial problems can cause the elderly to worry and one common problem is cutting down on heating during the winter months – this can lead to hypothermia. The Government does help with the elderly with winter fuel bills when extreme conditions prevail.

7. Family and careers
   An ageing population inevitably places stress on national resources – the NHS local community services and on individual families / carers. Within the UK, the pressures of looking after elderly dependant(s) are increasingly being recognised by health care and other professionals. Around one in five carers are looking after a dependant aged 85+ and over half of carers have dependants aged 75+. The strain can be enormous – particularly where the dependant has a long-standing illness or a disability.

1. Are they mobile – do they get out regularly? Can they move around the house/ flat?

2. Can they wash and dress themselves?

3. Are they eating adequately?

4. Are they keeping warm and not cutting down on heating unnecessarily?

5. What is the state of their health? Do they need a regular health visitor / district nurse?

6. Do they keep in touch with family and/or friends?

As a carer it is important that you also get support and help – it can be stressful! If you need help then do ask. There are specialist organisations that can help.