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The Priviledge of aging

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“…Ageing is a privilege and a societal achievement. It is also a challenge which will impact all aspects of the 21st century. World Health Organization…”

For centuries, men and women have been on the quest for eternal youth. This quest is clearly seen with the current abundance of anti-ageing and wellness products on the market that promise increased lifespan and vitality. Have you ever asked yourself these questions: Is ageing inevitable? Does it have to be accompanied by frailty and disease? Do my mental faculties have to decrease with age?

Most of us are impacted by the thought of ageing. This may be in the way we feel about the way we look or feel in our body, or perhaps in the added responsibilities related to a family member or friend. Many of us continue to work towards increasing both the length of our life and its quality. We wish for ourselves longer, more enriched and purposeful lives and we wish for less sickness and fewer signs of ageing.

Increasing Life Expectancy

Now, with today’s leaps in medical research and development, it appears possible for us to live far longer than ever thought possible. Many people alive today would not have lived to see their fifth birthday in another era. The factors driving this extension in life expectancy are numerous. However, its believed that attention to nutrition, fitness and sanitation and the introduction of life-saving medications have contributed greatly.

The challenge of this increased life expectancy is what quality of life can we expect and how does this impact on society? Today, there are approximately 600 million people aged over 60 and statistics provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate there will be 1.2 billion by 2025. WHO predicts, with this increase, there will also be an explosion in non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as heart disease, cancer and depression and a lack of necessary care for these conditions. Dr Brundtland of WHO also points out a healthy population is a prerequisite for economic growth and that increased longevity will pose enormous human and social costs unless preventative action is taken now. More than ever, there is a need to focus on early detection, prevention and reversal of degenerative diseases so our extended life will be one of vitality and mental clarity.

Leading aged-care expert, Professor John McCallum, Dean of the College of Social and Health Sciences at the University of Western Sydney, is also calling for better aged-care options. A recent study by him reveals that most Australians would prefer better aged-care services in their own home to entering a nursing facility or hostel. He says older Australians are determined to maintain their independence. However, at present, national surveys show that over half of older Australians who cannot care for themselves are currently not in their own homes. Its likely that many find themselves in residential care because theres no other option available to them. Older people who are healthy are a precious resource. They are able to make an important and necessary contribution to their families, communities and national economies, whether it be through formal or informal labour or volunteer work, according to their own preferences and capacities

The theories of aging…

There’s generally believed to be two types of ageing: wear-and-tear ageing (degenerative diseases) and active ageing (such as telomere shortening). More scientific thinking believe in five theories of ageing one theory suggests:

1. The neuro-endocrine theory of ageing links the ageing process of the hypothalamus to related structures of the brain and proposes that ageing is caused by a progressive loss of sensitivity to the bodys negative feedback system.

2. The genetic theory of ageing, or the molecular clock theory of ageing, links the ageing process to genetic predisposition and structure of the chromosomes, particularly telomeres.

3. The environmental theory of ageing links the ageing process to poor diet, inadequate exercise and exposure to toxins.

4. The free radical theory of ageing, or the cross-linking theory of ageing, links cumulative effects of free radical degeneration, especially free radical- induced damage in the mitochondria of the cells, to the progression of the ageing process.

5. The pineal theory of ageing links the decline and atrophy of the pineal gland that occurs in tandem with the ageing process.

Not long ago, we thought of 50 or 60 as old. Today, we regard this perception as a thing of the past. There are anti-ageing devotees trying to rid themselves of free radicals, the toxins found in tobacco, alcohol and fatty and processed foods. Others put their faith in the burgeoning field of nanotechnology, machines so tiny they can live inside human cells where they can perform non-invasive surgery and correct the effects of ageing. For others, there is cryonics, which is putting your body in a deep-freeze until it can be reawakened after scientists perfect the healthy chocolate bar.

Interest in longevity and healthy ageing is accelerating, if only because baby boomers have entered the other side of 50 without an escape plan. Is there a practical, scientific and effective approach to life extension? Some of the current scientifically sound recommendations concerning lifestyle and diet may even slow or reverse our common degenerative diseases. There are, in fact, many ways to extend our lifespan in a healthy manner

Healthy aging

In the pursuit of longevity, the basic suggestion is: what happens in the younger stages of the health span affects what comes later and proactive interventions can have a positive impact on health, even when they begin in middle or older age. Attention to diet, exercise, tobacco cessation and early identification of risk factors are all potential first steps. For example, its important to lower cholesterol levels through diet and exercise.In addition, there are those who now believe its possible to focus on the physiological mechanisms of ageing rather than the large array of debilitating and costly disorders that emerge during the latter half of our lifespan.

Recently, there has been a profound shift in the medical industry, with multiple disciplines coming together to share in their approach to ageing and age-related diseases. In a World Health Network report (2001), its suggested that with early detection and appropriate intervention, most of these diseases can be prevented, cured, or have their downward course reversed. The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) states: As an extension of preventative health care, anti-aging medicine is the next great model of health care for the new millennium. This is based on the early detection, prevention, and reversal of aging-related diseases. To alleviate the burden of a growing aging population, anti-aging medicine promises years of extended physical vitality and mental clarity.

While fear of death may be an important issue for many of us, the larger motivation appears to be a desire to experience more of life. As we deepen our understanding of balance and wellness, the possibility of a longer life is increasingly attractive. With the future of medicine across the globe offering us realistic options that shatter ageing illusions, getting old as we know it will become a thing of the past. One of the prime concerns we face as a global community is what, where and how to care for this rapidly increasing ageing population? There will be a need to renew our way of caring for those who cannot live on their own and re-organisation of our home and workplace.

Cancer

The National Cancer Statistics Clearing House of AIHW reports that nearly 80,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year. This equates to an average risk of one in three men, and one in four women being directly affected by cancer. Its estimated that more than two-thirds of cancers could be prevented by various lifestyle changes; for example, not smoking, having a good diet, taking a good multi-vitamin and doing regular exercise.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a major cause of disability and chronic pain. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated about 2.66 million Australians suffer from arthritis, representing about 15 per cent of the population. While its more common in the elderly, and especially in women, arthritis can affect people of any age. Arthritis comprises a variety of diseases and related conditions that affect the movable joints of the body: knees, wrists, elbows, fingers, toes, hips, and shoulders. Prevailing myths have portrayed arthritis as an old persons disease, an inevitable part of ageing that must be endured. However, effective interventions are available to prevent much of the burden of arthritis and its complications. Some forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, can be prevented with weight control and precautions to avoid certain occupational and sports injuries. Similarly, the pain and disability accompanying all types of arthritis can be minimised through early diagnosis and appropriate management, including diet and nutrient supplements, weight control, physical activity, self-management, physical and occupational therapy, and joint replacement therapy where indicated

Asthma

About one in 10 Australians have asthma and each year about 700 people die from the disease. Most of these deaths can be prevented if asthma is treated properly. Many people dont realise that asthma is a disease that can develop at any age. According to asthma specialists, asthma in older people often develops so slowly they dont realise anything is wrong. Sometimes the only symptom is increasing breathlessness while doing normal, everyday tasks. Anyone who has symptoms such as a persistent, irritable cough or difficulty breathing should see their doctor. Although theres no cure for asthma, there are many things that asthmatics can do to prevent an attack.

Don’t be a statistic:

Currently, one in two Australians will develop skin cancer at some stage during their lives.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the most common cause of death from cancer in women in Australia.

Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. Theres a strong link between bowel cancer and diet; in fact, about 50 per cent of bowel cancer is attributed to dietary factors. A low-fat, high-fibre diet may be beneficial in preventing bowel cancer. Another preventive strategy is to screen for bowel cancer, enabling the detection of either polyps or cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.

Over 10,000 men aged 50 years plus are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, making this the most common cancer in males. All men should be aware of their risk and consider being tested for it regularly from age 50 onwards, or from 40 onwards if a parent or brother has been diagnosed. However, before undergoing testing, men should be fully informed of the consequences that may accompany testing if further examination proves to be necessary (such as possible impotence and incontinence).

Lung cancer is the most common cancer to cause death. Tobacco smoking is the single most common cause of lung cancer.

Diabetes is the worlds fastest-growing disease. Over one million Australians have it but 50 per cent are as yet unaware. If you say yes to two or more of the following, youre at high risk for developing diabetes or you may be one of the estimated 400,000 people in Australia who have the disease without knowing it.

I am over 40 years old.

I have (or have had) a blood relative with diabetes.

I have had a baby weighing more than 4kg, or have had diabetes during pregnancy.

I dont exercise regularly (ie exercise less than half an hour per day, three days per week).

My waist measurement is more than 100cm (for a man) or more than 95cm (for a woman).

My blood pressure is higher than 140/90 or I take blood pressure medication.

I was born in Southern Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, am Polynesian, or Asian Indian.

I have two or more of the following symptoms: I urinate excessively, am always thirsty, have just lost weight for no reason, sometimes have numbness or tingling in my feet or legs, have blurred vision, am always tired, have itching skin or often have skin infections. (Source: NSW Health, 1999.)

One reason why so many people around the world, including Australia, are dying prematurely of diabetes is because of ignorance about its dangers. When diabetes is undiagnosed or uncontrolled, theres a high risk of complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, limb amputation and impotence.

Heart disease

One Australian dies every 10 minutes of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes a variety of heart diseases, stroke and related vascular diseases. CVD is largely preventable if current knowledge is put into practice. About 80 per cent of the adult population in Australia have at least one of the following cardiovascular risk factors:

Tobacco smoking.

Physical inactivity.

High blood pressure.

Overweight.

This Article is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Information and interactions contained in this Article are for information purposes only and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Further, the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information available on this Article cannot be guaranteed. The Author does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information made available via or through this Website whether arising from negligence or otherwise.

© 2003 Keith Brien

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