Questions & Answers
1. Why does the incidence of high blood pressure increase with age?
An increase in blood pressure is not a result of normal aging, but may result from other changes in your body as you age. For example, if you’ve smoked over the years, your arteries can harden leading to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is very common, and many times we don’t know exactly why it happens. Eating healthy (especially a low-salt diet) and exercising regularly can help keep your blood pressure at a normal level, but you should routinely have it checked by your doctor.
2. What is the oldest age at which a person can begin to exercise to improve his or her health status?
It is never too late for anyone to begin an exercise regimen that is tailored to his or her abilities and needs, and is safe. In fact, regular exercise is even more important for seniors than for other age groups since the risk of disease and lost mobility is greater. Exercising can lower blood pressure, reduce risk of stroke and heart disease, and prevent osteoporosis and arthritis. You can also experience other benefits — reduced stress, increased mobility and independence and avoidance of boredom and depression. Exercise regimens for older people can range from simply walking more to regular strength training. Older people who are thinking of beginning a more strenuous exercise program should seek the advice of a health care or exercise professional before beginning their regimen.
3. Is memory loss inevitable in older people?
As our bodies age naturally over time, so do our brains. That being said, memory loss is not inevitable, and is often caused by longstanding high blood pressure, diabetes or mini-strokes. The most common effects of brain aging include an inability to think as quickly or remember things as well as we used to. However, research has shown that these effects are counteracted by the knowledge we gain from life experience. Your memory may not be as good as it used to be, but you have increased information about how to complete a task or experience that can help you make a decision. In addition to the benefit of increased knowledge to compensate for memory loss or quick reactions, studies have shown there are other ways to slow mental decline. They include playing board games, reading, playing a musical instrument, completing word puzzles, and even continuing to stay physically active.
4. Is it true that the older you get, the sicker you get?
While it is true that as we get older and our bodies age naturally, it is not realistic to expect to get increasingly sicker the older we get. It is extremely important to continue to take good care of yourself as you age in order to stay in the best possible physical and mental condition. You should stay physically active, follow a healthy diet and make regular doctor’s appointments to screen for any potential diseases and prevent the worsening of any existing medical conditions you may have. In addition, it is essential to have a positive attitude about aging, continue engaging in activities you love and maintain relationships with friends and family.
5. Should people over 65 be immunized?
Some shots (also called vaccines or immunizations) are even more important for adults than they are for children. Vaccinations can prevent serious illness or even death and are especially important for people who may not be able to fight off infection with a normal, healthy immune system — this includes younger children and older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest several vaccinations for diseases in people over the age of 65: influenza (the flu), pneumonia, tetanus and diphtheria, chickenpox, herpes zoster (shingles) and measles, mumps and rubella. Some of these vaccinations do not need to be repeated if they were given earlier in life, while others should be received annually. You should check with your doctor about which shots are right for you and how often you should receive them.
6. Why do older people often experience depression, stress and other mental health behaviors?
Depression and stress are not in and of themselves a normal part of aging. They often occur as a result of dealing with other serious illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Other factors may add to stress or depression, such as worries about finances and social issues, including loneliness, isolation or the most common cause — loss of a spouse. Should you experience symptoms of stress or depression, you should discuss this immediately with your doctor as there are many things that can help you deal with this.
Elizabeth Donahue of the Disparities Solutions Center assisted in the preparation of these responses.
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Joseph R. Betancourt, M.D.
Director of the Disparities Solutions Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
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