Better Health 25 Eng

W e l c o m e
Welcome to
, the magazine
for patients and friends of Bumrungrad
International Hospital.
The world’s population is getting older.
Thailand’s seniors now account for over ten
percent of the Thai population; by 2027, that
figure is likely to reach 20 percent.
This issue of
focuses special
attention on the important health issues affecting
senior adults. While some may equate getting
older with a decline in health, many seniors are
living healthy, active lives well into their 80s and 90s
thanks to good nutrition and exercise habits and
getting recommended check-ups and screenings.
Beginning on page 4, we look at age-associated
diseases and how to prevent them through
healthier diets and regular exercise. Exercise
is one of the best things we can do for our
health as we age; the feature on page 8 makes
a compelling case for exercise’s numerous
health benefits that are just as powerful for
seniors as everyone else.
Many people worry their senior years will
be marked by declining memory and mental
function. Everyone forgets things sometimes; but
more than the occasional lapse may point to a
more serious condition such as dementia or
Alzheimer’s disease. On page 15 we look closely
at these and other brain conditions and offer
advice on how to lessen aging’s impact on
brain health.
As always, we welcome your feedback, ideas
and comments about
. Please feel
free to e-mail us at betterhealth@bumrungrad.com.
We look forward to hearing from you, and
here’s wishing you better health.
Dr. Num Tanthuwanit
Medical Director &
Contributing Editor
C o n t e n t s
4 Healthy aging
Aging without disease
8 Active at every age
Exercise is the key to healthier
retirement years
12 M.D. Focus
Get to know our doctors
15 Aging brain
Normal memory lapse or a sign of
something serious?
18 Q & A
20 Health Briefs
22 News from Bumrungrad International
4 15 20
Better Health magazine is published by Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited and is produced
for Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited by Oakins and Stone Limited, 16 Asoke Court,
Suite 2-A, Sukhumvit 21 Road (Asoke), Klongtoey-nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110. Tel: +66 (0) 2261 1211
Fax: +66 (0) 2261 1213. www.oakinsandstone.com
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Bumrungrad Hospital
Public Company Limited. 2012 by Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited. All rights reserved.
Publication of advertisements or sponsorships shall not constitute an endorsement by Bumrungrad
Hospital Public Company Limited of the products or services promoted, of the company or organization,
nor of the claims made.
Telephone:
Facsimile:
Out-patient
appointment:
Website:
66 (0) 2667 1000
66 (0) 2667 2525
66 (0) 2667 1555
www.bumrungrad.com