Age is just a number
Aging is the process of growing old. Children are excited at the prospect of being a year older and they can’t wait to be “grown up.” But for many after a certain age, getting older starts to become a negative thing. Aging is associated with a decline in appearance, being less active, body aches and pains and the onset of health problems, doctor visits and taking medications.
The age at which someone is considered elderly is around 60 to
65 years old. Normal aging includes changes such as thinning of the skin, deterioration in vision and hearing, loss of muscle mass, a weaker immune system that increases the risk for infections, alterations in digestion and bowel movements and more porous bones that are at risk for fracture.
While all these changes occur in the body, not everyone ages at the same rate, with some aging more gracefully than others. Those who seem to have more accelerated aging are at risk for frailty, which is the loss of strength, speed and energy, and the reduced ability to deal with everyday stress or illness. This can lead to more infections, hospitalizations, falls, injuries and disabilities. And this takes away one’s independence and confidence. Depression is also a real threat for the elderly as some can drift into isolation, bitterness, and a sense of meaninglessness.
We are constantly bombarded by social media and advertisements that promote the preservation of youth with cosmetic treatments, supplements and anti-aging remedies. Since some hormone levels decline as we get older, there are some who believe that taking hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone can restore whatever function has been lost.
Hormones should only be taken if you have a deficiency and only under the direction of your doctor. Taking hormones just “to be young again” can do more harm than good with serious consequences such as high blood pressure that increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and a higher chance of developing cancer.
The harsh truth is that there is no “Fountain of Youth” and we cannot turn back time. Try as hard as we may, time continues to march forward and we continue to age every day.
So how can we age well? I have patients over the age of 65 who appear to have discovered the answer, as they look and act so much younger than they are. They all have one thing in common: A positive attitude towards aging. They have accepted that they are getting older, but remain social and still engage in meaningful activities and relationships.
Aside from a good outlook and keeping chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes under control, there are some ways to combat the rapid aging process.
One is to identify the early signs of frailty — unintentional weight loss, feeling weak and unable to grip things or stand without assistance, getting tired easily or feeling tired all the time or having to walk slowly. Tell your doctor if you have any of these changes to make sure that you do not have any other health condition as the cause.
Being active most days of the week can help. Activities like walking and easy resistance training can improve strength and reduce weakness even in very old, frail adults. Every little bit helps, at any age. Eating a nutritious balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are also beneficial.
One example of someone who has embraced the passage of time is my father, who celebrates his 87th birthday tomorrow. Despite having to take longer naps and his aching knees, he still enjoys traveling, serving at their local parish and the occasional lunch with his friends. His secret to successful aging? “Be humble, laugh and give thanks everyday.”
Indeed, with age comes change but also experience, discernment and wisdom. And if you are coming upon the senior years, remember that age is just a number. What matters is remaining optimistic, staying active and continuing to find meaning later in life.
In celebration of its 85th anniversary, the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine is having a fashion gala, “Brilyante 2019: More Luminous Through Time,” for the benefit of the Institute of Aging of the UP National Institutes of Health, featuring designs from Albert Andrada, Rajo Laurel, Michael Leyva, Edgar Madamba, Mak Tumang, Nina Inabel, Bergamo and Rustan’s on 31 August 2019 at Marquis Events Place in BGC. Call 0917-676-7166 or visit fb.com/Brilyante2019 for details.