5 minute read
AGEING DISCGACEFULLY
‘When I am old I shall wear purple’ – so said Jenny Joseph in her irreverant poem about how old age allows us to shrug off social restraints. If you’re hoping to dance in the mud at festivals, skydive or skateboard – you’d better start planning for it now. We hear from a doctor about how ageing well starts in our youth.
Mersey Care consultant community geriatrician Dr Karthik Kayan.
Joel Goodman
Actress Dame Helen Mirren once told Vogue magazine that ‘it’s so much better to age disgracefully!” Ageing may not be sexy (unless you’re Helen Mirren) but it’s in the news. The UN has identified this as the decade of healthy ageing.
In 20 years one in four adults in the UK will be over 65. Speaking to experts though, it’s clear that its lifestyle, rather than age, that can take its toll. To throw caution to the wind when we’re Dame Helen’s age we need to start planning now.
Experts describe ageing as ‘an accumulation of changes over the life course that increases frailty’.
Being old is inevitable, but becoming frail is avoidable. It’s now a recognised medical specialty, with services now being developed in communities to support those who need it.
Mersey Care consultant community geriatrician Dr Karthik Kayan is helping develop integrated community frailty services across Liverpool.
He explains the vicious cycle of frailty: “Frailty becomes more likely as we get older and have more things wrong with us. We become more dependent and are less likely to overcome an untoward scenario like a fall or an infection. If that happens we become even frailer – and so it goes on.”
It’s a chilling thought – but it’s preventable. Dr Kayan says preparation and education should begin in childhood. But who wants to talk old age when you’re six, sixteen or even 60? And when is it too late? “Any improvement at any age is good” he says. Modifying an aspect of even one part of your life, whether it’s looking after your heart, managing diabetes, reducing medication or cutting down on smoking or alcohol.
WHERE DO WE START?
“What we do when we’re young affects us in later life, but changing lifestyle habits, and exercising from your 40s or 50s, or older, will still have an impact. Stopping smoking for instance, will have immediate benefits.”
He acknowledges that modifying behaviour is more difficult after 70. And there’s always a story about the old man from the local, who drank whisky, smoked cigars and lived to 102! People say ‘having a few tots of whisky every night is the only pleasure I have’ but you’re more sedate, and you risk falls and fractures.”
If you’re reading this and are trying to motivate an elderly relative to stay well, you’ll know the challenges. What can families do to stop someone descending into frailty, if they stubbornly refuse to heed advice?
“It can be frustrating, but we shouldn’t give up. They may not acknowledge your efforts, but you’ll know you’ve done your best and you don’t need to feel guilty.”
Dr Kayan has first hand experience. “I talk regularly with my parents in India – it might be the same topic, that doesn’t matter. My mother has become addicted to the television and her tablet and has stopped going for walks. I always ask the same question – ‘have you walked today?’ I’ve accepted that I can only do so much, but I quietly keep on pushing.”
He suggests engaging carers or health professionals or even grandchildren to influence the person; and he urges compassion. “Old age can bring huge life changes”, says Dr Kayan. The loss of friends, inability to travel, or even get into the garden, can lead to loneliness and apathy.”
If you need specialist help, ask your GP to refer to a community medicine clinic for older people or for social prescribing – a prescription for social groups or activities. Dr Kayan has advice for carers. “Look after yourself too. And most importantly, take the advice you’re giving them so you can age well – or even disgracefully!”
KING TONY REIGNS SUPREME AT 78
Veteran broadcaster Tony Blackburn was 59 when he was crowned King of the Jungle in the first series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.
At 78 he’s still working and has just picked up a Legends of Industry Award in Radio Broadcasting, from Variety, the Children’s Charity. After 57 years in the business Tony has no plans to retire.” I’d love to live by the sea but I’d have a home studio so I can carry on working “ What would he like to be remembered for? “Bringing joy to people through my shows.”
Variety, the Children’s Charity Legends of Industry Awards honour and celebrate people who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen field of business and industry, whilst raising crucial funds to support sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.
TOP 10 TIPS FOR AGEING BETTER
1. Watch what you eat and drink
2. Look after your teeth
3. Stay active
4. Make the most of your doctor
5. Get a vitamin boost
6. Take care of your feet
7. Sort out your sleep
8. Take the tests
9. Stay in touch
10. Give up smoking
For more go to: ageuk.org
Keep in touch with people and get out as much as you can. I have a hectic social life and I talk to everyone in my block of flats – people are all very nice when you speak to them.
Teresa Allen, aged 92
