Age Page
by Bonnie Jewell

Aging has a "new look", primarily due to improved diet, antioxidants and vitamins, exercise programs, and better attitudes. Presently the life expectancy in the United States is 76 years. Through improved medical care, our individuals with mental retardation are leading long, happy lives.

The prevalence of almost every chronic long-term disease and disability increases with age, but disease is not an inevitable part of growing old. We can do much to slo the aging process. Over the next few newsletters, I will focus on preventative strategies for slowing the aging process down. For ths first month, I will discuss the Health assessments and screenings that are recommended.

The leading causes of death for persons over the age of 65 are: heart disease, malignant tumors (colorectal, lung, and breast), cerebrovascular disease (strokes), lung disease, pneumonia, and influenza.

Screening assessments recommended for all of us are: blood pressure, height and weight, screening for colon cancer, mammograms, pap tests for women, vision, hearing, and any high risk problem areas, on a yearly basis.

Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure is responsible for a variety of heart, brain, kidney, and eye problems. Treatment of high blood pressure is particularly important for older adults.

Height and Weight:
Obesity is a growing concern in the United States and needs to be monitored carefully. Most physicians are keeping track of the weight vs. height by the BMI (Body Mass Index). The BMI should be below 27.8 in males and below 27.3 in women. People who are overweight are three times more likely to have diabetes and/or high blood pressure, and are at risk of heart attacks.

Screening for cancer of the colon and rectum:
This screening is recommended for indivuals over the age of 50. This involves a stool test for occult blood. People with a family history of colon cancer should have more extensive testing, such as a colonoscopy.

Pap Smears and Mammograms:
Routine screening for breast cancer should be done every year per your MD's order at ages 50 - 69, via a doctor's manual breast exam and and mammogram. Pap smears are screenings for cervical cancer and are recommended for women yearly.

Vision and Hearing:
Vision problems are common as we age, and people with developmental disabilities may not be able to tell anyone if they are having trouble seeing, so it is imperitive that their vision is tested yearly. The most common vision problems due to aging and presbyopia (near-sightedness) and cataracts. Hearing loss is due to the fusion of the small bones in the inner ear. It is important for your individuals to be tested periodically for hearing loss as they age.

Reference:
Health Management of Aging Adults with Mental Retardation
by Ann R. Poindexter, MD

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