You are here: Introduction to Human Aging > Subtopic 2 > Wellness
At a yearly checkup, the doctor will look for any changes in height, weight, blood pressure, heart beat and rate, and lung function. A thorough exam will include a check of the mouth, ears, lymph nodes, thyroid, rectum, abdomen and skin. A good time to schedule this exam is during the early fall to coincide with yearly flu shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for those over 65. Other ways to keep your lungs healthy is to avoid smoking, exercise regularly and practice good hygiene by washing hands often. Laboratory tests may be ordered during the annual medical exam to screen for heart disease and certain cancers.
Regular eye exams are needed to check for vision changes, cataracts, glaucoma and other eye problems. Good vision is integral to safe driving and preventing falls.
A doctor can also screen for signs of depression or changes in mental health. About six million Americans over 65 suffer from depression; however, only about 10 percent are treated. Depression can be triggered by coping with long-term, chronic, illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Stressful life events, for example the death of a spouse, as well as a lack of a support network, isolation and side effects from medication can increase the risk of depression in the elderly. A simple instrument that screens for depression among the elderly is the Geriatric Depression Scale found at http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Depression/elderly_2a.asp Old people who are depressed are more likely to commit suicide than young people and treatment for the elderly often takes longer than for young people. Among the treatments available are prescription drugs or a change in current prescriptions that may have side effects leading to depression. Exercise, either alone or preferably in groups, as well as increasing social activity may also help.
The majority of our time is spent in the home, so it makes sense to have our homes accident-proof. Make sure there is good lighting throughout, especially over sinks, and in bathrooms and staircases. On the inside of your home, provide adequate lighting around the front door and garage. Floors should be even and non-slippery. Obstacles such as magazines, newspapers or grandchildren’s toys should be picked up. The elderly tend to lean or use furniture as a support, so sturdy furniture and also hand rails in bath tubs are recommended.
In addition to the hazards listed above, preventing falls involves a variety of strategies. Take care for any vision or hearing problems. Dizziness or confusion can be side effects of medication. Check with your doctor if you experience these symptoms while taking new prescriptions are changed doses of current medications. Rise slowly from a bed or a chair to give your blood pressure time to adjust to eliminate dizziness. Limit alcohol to two drinks or fewer a day.
Seatbelts should be worn whenever in the car, either as a driver or a passenger. Do not permit others in the car to ride unbuckled. Take the car in for regular maintenance.
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