Normal aging changes describe many of the findings we experience. I explain how they impact geriatric syndromes and illnesses and give tips what we can do to improve our function. The goal is to teach optimal aging for a long healthy life with excellent quality.
Normal aging changes impact the quality of life and understanding these changes allows us to slow, prevent and accommodate aging to optimize quality of life.
Normal aging changes contribute to more fragmented sleep, more awakenings and lighter sleep. Taking sleeping medications increase the risk of dementia, falls and death.
As we age we require more fluids and if we do not drink enough, we increase the risk of falls, confusion, heart attack and stroke.
Loss of driving privileges can severely impair independence and is often feared by older adults. Normal aging changes can contribute to higher accident risks. Illnesses, such as dementia increase the risk and discussing driving cessation with a loved one is addressed.
Absorption of Vitamin D and B-12 decreases as we age, putting us at higher risk of deficiency, which can present as neuropathy. Lab values are different in older adults and treatment with pills is effective and low cost.
Vitamin D absorption decreases with age and can lead to falls, muscle weakness and broke bones. Diagnosis, treatment and risks are discussed.
Most of us need reading glasses by age 60 and some of us develop additional vision impairment. I explain how aging changes contribute to the changes in vision we experience.
Swallowing requires 5 pairs of muscles and as we age, a lot can go wrong. I explain what can happen and why, and make suggestions that go beyond thickeners.
Normal aging changes contribute to more fragmented sleep, more awakenings and lighter sleep. Taking sleeping medications increase the risk of dementia, falls and death.
I will explain how normal aging changes contribute to incontinence. Most medications for the treatment of incontinence are antimuscarinic and can lead to confusion, falls, delirium and even dementia over time. I will address how to manage incontinence without medications.
Atrial fibrillation is a major reason for stroke and institutionalization. Anticoagulation reduces the risk of blood clots from atrial fibrillation and stroke. I address the benefits for older adults and how to mitigate the risks.
Preparing for decline and death is important for us, our friends and family. I discuss decision making capacity, ethics, end of life, hospice and palliative care, and give hands-on suggestions that make the process easier.
Falls can impair quality of life and end independence. Numerous things can be done to prevent falls and improve quality of life.
Diabetes increases with increasing age, and with it the risk of hypoglycemia. Several aging changes contribute to the higher risk of low sugars and I address how to avoid these Including switching patients from insulin to the newer agents.
Medications affect older adults differently. Several aging changes contribute to metabolism and elimination. Several categories of medications are especially risky, such as anticholinergic medicines, such as benadryl (diphenhydramine) or sleep medicines (zolpidem, sonata, lunesta). In the presentation I provide alternatives and techniques to avoid risky medications.
Depression can present as memory loss and life changes and losses can lead to depression. Depression can present differently in older adults, with less sadness and crying and more loss of energy and feeling of worthlessness.