Pittwater Life March 2017 Issue

Seniors Health Special
STAYING STRONG
Health & Wellbeing
There are plenty of things you can do
to help prevent and/or manage the
physical problems associated with
ageing... the key is knowledge.
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more
of your joints it is the leading cause of
pain and disability. The main symptoms
of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness,
which typically worsen with age. The two
main types of arthritis osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis damage joints in
different ways.
Risk factors include
n Being overweight.
n Having a previous injury.
n Repetitive use of joints.
n Family history.
n Smoking.
What you can do
The impact of arthritis on normal
activities and lifestyle varies from person
to person but there are things you can do
to help manage the symptoms:
n Maintain a healthy weight – being
overweight can increase complications
of arthritis.
n Stay active… and know when to rest.
n Learn how to manage pain and flareups
and don’t try to ignore chronic pain
– talk to your doctor.
n Talk to your pharmacist to check you
are taking medications correctly.
Contact Arthritis Australia for more
information arthritisaustralia.com.au
Osteoporosis
Bone health is a priority for over-50s.
Osteoporosis is a condition where the
bones become fragile and brittle, and
can fracture more easily than normal
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bones. Even minor falls can cause serious
fractures. Osteoporosis affects women
and men, however women are at greater
risk because of the rapid decline in
oestrogen levels during menopause. When
oestrogen levels decrease bones lose
calcium and other minerals at a much
faster rate. Men also lose bone as they
age however their bone mass remains
adequate till later in life because of
testosterone levels. It is important to try to
prevent the development of osteoporosis
– or at least treat it as early as possible so
you can minimise its effects.
Risk factors include
n Little or no physical activity.
n Smoking.
n High alcohol intake.
n Thin body build or excessive weight.
n Low calcium intake.
n Low hormone levels – in women: early
menopause; in men: low testosterone.
n A direct relative who has an
osteoporotic fracture.
n Conditions leading to malabsorption
such as coeliac disease.
n Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic liver
disease or kidney failure.
n A history of thyroid problems.
n Long-term drug treatment with
corticosteroids.
n Some medicines for breast cancer,
prostate cancer, epilepsy and some
antidepressants.
What you can do
n Strong bones require a lifelong intake
of calcium, adequate Vitamin D and a
healthy, active lifestyle.
n Check you are getting enough calcium.
If your diet does not contain enough
calcium or your do not get regular sun
exposure your doctor may suggest you
take supplements.
n Vitamin D is also essential for healthy
Mental health and wellbeing
Studies of mental health and wellbeing in old age generally paint a positive
picture however symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety among older
people can be easily missed.
According to beyondblue symptoms such as sadness, sleep and appetite
problems or mood changes may be dismissed as a ‘normal’ part of getting older.
Symptoms such as poor concentration and memory difficulties may also be
confused with other conditions such as dementia.
It’s normal to feel sad or moody or down from time to time but if these
feelings are preventing you from getting the most out of life, help and support is
available… not matter what your age.
Asking your doctor for advice about your mental health is a good first start – if
necessary they can refer you to services that best suit your needs.
For more information go to www.beyondblue.org.au
MARCH 2017
bones. It is formed by the action of
sunlight on the skin, and plays an
important role in increasing calcium
absorption from foods.
n Regular exercise is important for bone
strength, maintaining balance and
preventing falls.
Contact Osteoporosis Australia for more
information osteoporosis.org.au
Bladder and bowel health
As you age your pelvic floor muscles –
the ‘sling’ of muscles that supports the
bladder, bowel and uterus in women and
the bladder and bowel in men – may stretch
and weaken. This can cause incontinence –
the leakage of urine, faeces or wind when
you do not mean it to happen. The good
news is for many people simple exercises
can help prevent problems.
Risk factors include
A number of factors may contribute to
pelvic floor muscles weakening including:
n In women, the effect of pregnancy and
childbirth and changes in hormone
levels after menopause.
n Being overweight.
n Chronic constipation.
n Chronic cough.
n Frequent lifting of heavy objects.
What you can do
n Eat plenty of high fibre from a wide
variety of foods, to avoid constipation.
n Maintain a healthy body weight.
n If you smoke stop. Chronic coughing
associated with smoking can weaken
your pelvic floor.
n When using the toilet, sit down properly
with your feet firmly supported. This
helps to fully relax your pelvic floor and
sphincter muscles. Also, don’t strain.
n Don’t get into the habit of going to the
toilet “just in case”. Go only when you
need to.
n Visit your doctor if you suspect a
urinary tract infection or if you have
ongoing respiratory problems.
n Daily exercise helps stimulate
movement of the bowel and keeps your
weight healthy.
n Avoid heavy lifting as this weakens your
pelvic floor.
n Do pelvic floor exercises regularly.
There are a number of health
professionals that specialise in the area of
continence who you can turn to for help.
The Continence Foundation
(continence.org.au) recommends talking
to your doctor or a continence nurse
advisor on the National Continence
Helpline 1800 33 00 66 to help determine
the best course of action.