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A G IN G G R A C E FU LLY by Ihor Magun. M.D. As life expectancy in the United States increases, many of us become concerned about aging. We worry about growing older ourselves and we worry about parents and other relatives who are already elderly. It is important to remember that aging does not necessarily impair living well; in fact, in the absence of any significant disease, people can live useful and comfortable lives with few restrictions in their usual daily activities. We are all getting older; some of us just manage to do a better job of it than others. Aging well is a combination of factors, including proper medical attention, awareness of what occurs as the body ages, and making adjustments which accommodate those changes. Aging does produce physical changes which are part of the normal aging process. Body fat, for example, normally increases with age. Recognizing that this is a natural result of the aging process does not mean that we should just accept it. It means that we should try to maintain a healthy diet that will prevent excessive weight gain and that we should try to keep weight as close to recommended levels as possible. Eyesight is also affected by aging. The elderly are more susceptible to glare from bright light, while on the other hand needing brighter light to see clearly. Blurred or weakened vision can result in accidents and seemingly slight problems with vision, if untreated, can result in blindness. Regular ophthalmological evaluations are important and can significantly reduce life threatening or life impairing conditions. Hearing loss among the elderly is another problem. Hearing loss may be hereditary or may be induced by environmental conditions which are job related or caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises or even loud music. Hearing loss can also occur when ear wax becomes impacted. While me dical evaluations are helpful in diagnosing hearing problems and their causes, technology has not advanced enough to perfect a hearing device that mimics the human ear. Even the most advanced models, despite their great expense, are not as good as we would like them to be. The best way to avoid hearing loss is to be aware that it can be induced by prolonged exposure to loud noises and avoiding such exposure whenever possbile. With people who have experienced hearing loss, kindness, not shouting, is the best medicine. Speak directly, speak loudly and speak clearly. The thyroid regulates our well being and "drive". Because thyroid deficiencies are commonly seen in the aging, thyroid evaluation should be a routine part of a physical examination, especially if there is a family history of thyroid problems. We do not think twice about checking dosages and types of medication given to children and infants. We should be just as careful with medication prescribed for the elderly. As the body ages, the functioning of the kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal system changes. High quantities of medication can cause undesired reactions or side- effects which causes these organs to function improperly. Ironically, some medications can account for symptoms of "not feeling well" even though they need to be taken to keep the body functioning properly. Dizziness or near fainting spells are also a common occurrence in the elderly because blood pressure may not respond to rapid changes in position. Many times, dizziness can be avoided by slowing down when changing position, for example, from lying to sitting or from sitting to standing. Being aware of this and practicing gradual position changes can prevent possbile falls. Patience and kindness when dealing with an aging parent or relative are important. Familiarity with changes the body experiences because of aging, awareness of the environment, and paying attention to symptoms can help make the aging process easier and less stressful for everyone concerned. A SA FE AMD HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE " НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ", ГРУДЕНЬ 1998 21
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