Not Just Grownups Who Have Stayed Awhile
Oct 20, 2017
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If you work with a pediatrician for any length of time, you're sure to hear them say something like this. Because childhood is the only time in life that you're growing and developing, medical care in pediatrics is very different from other areas. Pediatricians are familiar with all of the special wrinkles in medical care for kids, and they have a tremendous "bag of tricks", as any parent can attest.
Just as pediatricians see childhood as a special time in life, medical professionals have come to understand that "oldhood" is different from younger adult life. Scientific research continues to show us important differences in the ways that older people move, get sick, respond to stresses, andheal from illness. Just as important, old age is a time of tremendous variation from person to person. At age 80, one person might be wheelchair-bound and completely dependent on others for basic care. Another person the same age might be able to travel, care for grandchildren, or continue a career. Medical care for older adults needs to understand that the fundamentals are different as we get older, and there is no "one-size-fits-all.
Because older adults have special needs in medical care, they need a special approach a different lens that looks at the whole person, the family structure, and the community around them. Geriatrics clinicians are trained and experienced in the whole spectrum of older adult needs. Although initially trained in specialties like Internal Medicine, Nurse Practitioner, and Family Medicine, they differ from regular primary care specialists in their additional training, focus, and perspective.
In Geriatrics, clinicians have special areas of interest that are hugely important to older adults and their families. These include preventing falls, managing dementia, minimizing complex medication schedules, promoting independence, and coordinating a range of specialists. Geriatrics clinicians also understand that oldhood does not last forever, and that one of the ways they can best help patients and families is to plan and provide well for a graceful end of life. In short, Geriatrics takes a calm, thoughtful, and loving approach to a time that can seem hopelessly confusing to families.
Geriatrics clinicians use a team approach to care, working with nurses, social workers, pharmacists, physical therapists, and other disciplines. Most importantly, they see a persons medical history as something that evolves over time, and they have an intense interest in an older persons progress through the years. This team approach across time is the key to getting the whole picture of a person, and helping them to map out the best possible course for their care.
So how old is old enough to need a Geriatrics health professional? If youre between the ages of 65 and 80 and are lucky enough to enjoy great health, you can probably stick with your primary care provider. You might consult with a Geriatrician to help you look down the road to your later years. If you or a loved one are over 65 and are struggling with mobility problems, multiple chronic illnesses, dementia, or feel like youre on too many medications, a visit to a Geriatrician can help you and your family to sort through your problems. If youre lucky and strong enough to have made it to 85, it may be best to have a Geriatrics clinician as your primary care provider.
Where can you find a Geriatrics Clinician? Look for "Geriatrics", "Senior Clinic", or "Senior Home Care" when you are looking for medical providers. When you call their office, ask if they specialize in the care of older adults, and especially inquire about the team approach to medical care and promoting independence. They should also have additional training and certification in areas related to health care for older adults.
As they say on the AARP billboards, we know that roles change as we age. For people over 85 and those between 65 and 85 with significant health limitations, its important to know that medical care changes, too. Consulting with a Geriatrics clinician may be a great way to make the most of these special years.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Michael Galindo, MD, FACP. Michael is President of Utah Geriatrics Society, Intermountain Medical Group and may be reached by email at: michael.galindo@imail.org
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Indoor exercises like yoga and chair exercises, as recommended by the American Heart Association (2021), offer viable options to stay active during winter. Mental Wellness The winter months often usher in feelings of isolation and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A study by Melrose (2015) underscores the prevalence of SAD among older adults. Engaging in cognitive stimulation activities can alleviate symptoms. Seniors can find solace in local clubs, virtual classes, and community events, as advocated by Forrester (2017), who highlights the significance of social engagement in mitigating SAD symptoms. Emotional WellnessEmotional wellness hinges on effective emotional regulation. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are integral components of emotional wellness. A systematic review by Rusch et al. (2019) supports the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress and anxiety. Seniors can access mindfulness resources and guidance on emotional wellness through organizations such as Seniors Blue Book Utah. Social WellnessMaintaining an active social life is pivotal for seniors. The adverse effects of social isolation on senior well-being have been extensively documented (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). Seniors are encouraged to participate in local clubs and community events, as promoted by Senior Expos, to foster social connections. Intellectual Wellness Intellectual wellness necessitates ongoing learning and mental stimulation. Seniors can embrace hobbies like reading and learning new languages to foster intellectual growth. A study by Verghese et al. (2003) associates intellectual engagement with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in aging individuals. Occupational Wellness Occupational wellness transcends traditional work and relates to engaging in purposeful activities. Volunteering, as explored in a study by Okun et al. (2016), offers seniors a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Seniors can explore volunteer opportunities through organizations like Seniors Blue Book Utah. Environmental Wellness Winter introduces environmental challenges, such as slippery sidewalks and heating concerns. Seniors must ensure their living environments are safe and comfortable. The National Institute on Aging (2021) provides valuable tips for creating senior-friendly environments. Spiritual Wellness Spiritual wellness revolves around finding meaning and purpose in life. Engaging in spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, can provide solace and inner peace. A study by Carlson et al. (2016) explores the positive effects of mindfulness-based spiritual practices on well-being. Conclusion Balancing the 8 pillars of wellness is paramount for senior well-being, especially during the winter months. Evidence-based insights emphasize the need for regular physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and emotional regulation. Seniors can access resources and information from reputable organizations like Seniors Blue Book Utah and Senior Expos to aid in their pursuit of wellness. By integrating these scholarly insights into their winter routines, seniors can not only survive but thrive during this season, enjoying a life marked by health, happiness, and purpose. References: American Heart Association. (2021). Recommendations for Physical Activity in Older Adults. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-older-adults Carlson, L. E., et al. (2016). Mindfulness-based interventions for coping with cancer. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1373(1), 5-12.de Rezende, L. F. M., et al. (2014). Physical activity and preventable premature deaths from non-communicable diseases in Brazil. Journal of Public Health, 36(3), 514-522. Forrester, A. (2017). Seasonal affective disorder in older adults: improving mood and well-being through leisure interventions. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 41(1), 39-53. Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227-237.Melrose, S. (2015). Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches. Depression Research and Treatment, 2015, 1-6.National Institute on Aging. (2021). Winter Safety Tips for Older Adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/infographics/winter-safety-tips-older-adults Okun, M. A., et al. (2016). Volunteering by older adults and risk of mortality: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 31(6), 634-645. Rusch, H. L., et al. (2019). A randomized controlled trial of the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on posttraumatic growth among survivors of interpersonal violence. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32(6), 936-946. Verghese, J., et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), 2508-2516.Patrick Troumbley, MS, CSCS
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