older people’s health issues
Overview of Aging
Healthy (successful) aging
Healthy aging refers to postponement of or reduction in the undesired effects of aging. The goals of healthy aging are maintaining physical and mental health, avoiding disorders, and remaining active and independent. For most people, maintaining general good health requires more effort as they age. Developing certain healthy habits can help, such as Following a nutritious diet Avoiding cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol use Exercising regularly Staying mentally active The sooner a person develops these habits, the better. However, it is never too late to begin. In this way, people can have some control over what happens to them as they age. Some evidence suggests that in the United States, healthy aging is on the rise: A decrease in the percentage of people aged 75 to 84 who report impairments A decrease in the percentage of people over age 65 with debilitating disorders An increase in the oldest old—people age 85 and older, including those who have reached 100 (centenarians) Gerontologyis the study of the aging process, including physical, mental, and social changes. The information is used to develop strategies and programs for improving the lives of older people. Some gerontologists have a medical degree and are alsogeriatricians. Geriatricsis the branch of medicine that specializes in the care of older people, which often involves managing many disorders and problems at the same time. Geriatricians have studied the aging process so that they can better distinguish which changes result from aging itself and which indicate a disorder. Although the older population of the United States is increasing, the number of geriatricians per 10,000 people over age 65 has decreased steadily since 2000. 