Communication and Healthy Aging….when you start to get older it is fair to say that you will need to speak to a health care provider more often than in your younger years.
Speaking frequently can help you reduce the risks of various illnesses that can affect you in old age. Studies have shown that people who converse with their doctors on a regular basis tend to live a healthier, longer life. This is why communication and healthy aging go hand in hand.
Why Communication is So Important
Communication is much more than words spoken verbally. When you visit a doctor for a health appointment it is important for you to participate in the discussion with your doctor. This will help them to understand what is wrong so they can help to provide cures. It is also a good idea to do some personal research on any conditions that you may have as this will help you to stay informed and help you to communicate with your doctor.
It’s also a good idea to set up your electronic medical records online in case of an emergency. You can also carry your medical information on a USB flash drive. Your medical data can easily be accessed by medical professionals with a computer and an Internet connection. This vital data can provide life saving information to medical personnel in case of an emergency.
Below are some of the most prevalent conditions in old age:
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition seen in the older generation. The main cause of arthritis is due to bones that were injured earlier on in life that haven’t healed properly. This is mainly due to the individual lacking the knowledge on how to strengthen their bones, joints and muscles around the time of the injury.
Your genes and your bone structure can also play a key role in deciding whether you will suffer from arthritis or not according to some experts. It may be worth researching into your family history whilst you are younger as arthritis can be treated if it is diagnosed in its earliest stage. Discussing this with your doctor early on in life can help you age in a more comfortable way.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is another condition that can start to affect people in their late years. It works by affecting the intellectual and memory processes of the brain and is thought to be one of the worst elderly conditions to suffer from. Alzheimer’s does have a cure if it is caught in its initial stage and discussing any thoughts you may have with your doctor can help to prevent the onset of dementia – Alzheimer’s in its later stages.
Cancer
Although cancer can be a condition that is experienced at any age, it is a disease that affects millions of people in old age. Some forms of cancer are possible to treat if they are discovered early on, and this is another reason why communicating with your doctor is so important if you feel something is amiss.
Things to Think About
It is a good idea to be aware that the body’s functions start to decline upon reaching the age of 30. This is the best time to set up a meeting with your doctor or health care provider to plan for regular check-ups.
In order to ensure that you age in the healthiest way possible, communication is key. Do not feel that you are wasting your doctor’s time as many of the conditions that affect so many people in old age can be treated if they are discovered early enough.
Click the links below to see some heartwarming and inspirational tips & suggestions. They were all written by visitors to this page.
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