Drug side effects and the elderly

Researchers in Britain have found that commonly used drugs prescribed to half of those that are 65 or older lead to an increased incidence of death and mental health decline, especially when the drugs are prescribed in combination. The researchers' findings, which was published in the August 2011 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggest that these types of drugs negatively affect the brain and increase the risk of decline and death. The study found that patients taking a combination of prescription drugs were at greater risk.

Elderly people take approximately three times the amount of medications that younger people do. Although the elderly are prescribed a wide array of drugs, the most common drugs are heart medications, statins, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants.

Drugs that treat the cardiovascular system can result in nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and bleeding problems. Statins' side effects include muscle weakness and pain (the most serious that can be life threatening), headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, skin rash, and general weakness.

Benzodiazepines can result in sedation, confusion, and falls. The side effects of antidepressants include sedation, confusion, falls, low blood pressure, and urinary retention. Antidepressants also thin the blood. They decrease blood clotting capacity, increasing the risk for stomach and uterine bleeding. Add over the counter NSAID's taken at the same time and the risk doubles.

Other common drugs' side effects

Other commonly prescribed drugs also have a host of potentially harmful side effects. Examples include:

* Antipsychotic medications that are used to treat "mental disorders" can result in confusion, sedation, low blood pressure, falls, urinary retention, Parkinsonism (involuntary shaking and twitching), and tardive dyskinesia (repetitive body movements)

* Antihistamines used to treat allergies can result in confusion, sedation, low blood pressure, falls, sleep disturbance, and urinary retention

* Drugs that relieve nausea can lead to confusion, sedation, low blood pressure, falls, urinary retention, Parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia

* Pain medication can result in constipation, confusion, & sedation. Even over the counter medications can result in serious liver and gastrointestinal side effects.

* Drugs to treat Parkinson's disease can result in confusion, dizziness, low blood pressure, and an increase in cardiovascular toxicity

* Drugs to relieve muscle spasms can result in dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and delirium

* Urinary incontinence drugs can result in dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, delirium, and confusion

All of these side effects relate to individual drugs. Imagine how these side effects can be compounded by taking several prescription drugs at a time.

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Flexibility adds years to our life

If you are over 50 years old and getting up from the floor requires both hands, you better watch out. You may not live as long as your flexible counterparts.

Those who can sit down and get up using only one hand — or no hands at all — are likely to live for longer, a study found. But those needing extra assistance, such as getting up on their knees or using two hands, are up to six times more likely to die prematurely.

Researchers said the ease with which someone could stand up from a sitting position on the floor — and vice versa — was ‘remarkably predictive’ of physical strength.

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Midlife fitness key to healthier ageing

Being physically fit during your 30s, 40s, and 50s not only helps extend lifespan, but it also increases the chances of ageing healthily, free from chronic illness, say researchers.

For decades, research has shown that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels lessen the risk of death, but it previously had been unknown just how much fitness might affect the burden of chronic disease in the most senior years - a concept known as morbidity compression.

"We've determined that being fit is not just delaying the inevitable, but it is actually lowering the onset of chronic disease in the final years of life," said Dr. Jarett Berry, assistant professor of internal medicine and senior author of the study.

Investigators at UT Southwestern Medical Center and The Cooper Institute examined the patient data of 18,670 participants in the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study, research that contains more than 250,000 medical records maintained over a 40-year span.

These data were linked with the patients' Medicare claims filed later in life from ages 70 to 85. Analyses during the latest study showed that when patients increased fitness levels by 20 percent in their midlife years, they decreased their chances of developing chronic diseases - congestive heart failure, Alzheimer's disease, and colon cancer - decades later by 20 per cent.

"What sets this study apart is that it focuses on the relationship between midlife fitness and quality of life in later years. Fitter individuals aged well with fewer chronic illnesses to impact their quality of life," said Dr. Benjamin Willis of The Cooper Institute, first author on the study.

This positive effect continued until the end of life, with more-fit individuals living their final five years of life with fewer chronic diseases. The effects were the same in both men and women.

These data suggest that aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, or running translates not only into more years of life but also into higher quality years, compressing the burden of chronic illness into a shorter amount of time at the end of life, Dr. Berry said.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), adults should get at least 2 and half hours of moderate to intense aerobic activity each week to ensure major heart and overall health benefits.

The study results have been made available online in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

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A 91-yr-old Delhiite’s tryst with art

Chitta Ranjan Pakrashi looks like another senior citizen of Delhi out for an evening stroll in an art gallery. But this retired government servant-cum-chronicler of Bengalis in the city also has an artistic side which came out at his solo show, which is on at All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society from November 22 till Wednesday.

As he walked amid his works, Pakrashi didn't look like he was 91. He showed the oldest of his paintings — a lithograph of a rural scene which he had created as a student of Government Art School in Kolkata in 1942 - and a bunch of fresh ones done months before the exhibition with the enthusiasm of a 19-year old rookie artist.

There is an air of honesty yet artistic brilliance in this Kailash Colony resident's works. Bright, bold colours, play with forms, shapes, textures and subtlety and a love for nature are distinguishing feature of this artist, who is also an acknowledged stamp designer having credited with creating numerous stamps for over 60 years both in India and abroad.

Pakrashi recalls that he really started painting post-retirement in 1981 and the push came from artist and friend Bimal Dasgupta. "He was the one who told me to dedicate myself to painting as a fulltime artist."

When asked how he felt about being able to work with such dexterity even post-90, a smile accompanied the reply. "I believe that work is worship and age is never a factor if you have the right intentions. Surprisingly, a British boss of mine, Major P.W.R. Homfrey, used to say this. He was like you are working for your country, not for us."

Another feather on his cap is that Pakrashi is one of the very few in the country who has worked with three different governments -- The American government as a mapmaker in Kolkata (194345), British government in Delhi (1945-47) and the Indian government (1947-1981).

"It has changed a lot. When I came in the pre-Independence years, Delhi was developing. Now it has developed and become home for me and many others, who had migrated decades back," he said.

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Older adults more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses

Older adults are more likely to get sick from that hamburger that was left out too long or the egg cooked sunny-side up.

Weaker immune systems, a decrease in stomach acid and other age-related factors put older adults at greater risk for foodborne illnesses, notes the Healthy Aging Partnership (HAP), a coalition of 40 Puget Sound-area not-for-profit and public organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of older adults.

What's more, older adults are more likely to get seriously ill or even die from bacteria and other contaminants in the food they eat, according to HAP.

The National Food and Drug Administration estimates that 2 to 3 percent of the millions of foodborne illnesses in the United States each year lead to secondary long-term illnesses, including kidney failure, arthritis and meningitis.

Fortunately, foodborne illnesses at home can be easily prevented by following four simple food-preparation steps:

• Clean your hands with soap and warm water frequently, particularly before and after preparing food and after using the bathroom. Also, wash cutting boards, utensils and countertops that you've used to prepare food. A sanitizing solution of one teaspoon chlorine bleach to one quart of water provides added protection.
• Separate raw poultry, red meat and seafood from foods that aren't going to be cooked. Always wash hands, utensils and surfaces with hot soapy water between preparing vegetables and meats to prevent cross contamination. If possible, use separate cutting boards.
• Cook foods long enough and to high enough temperatures to kill bacteria. Use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of meats, poultry and other foods. Roasts and steaks, for example, should be cooked to at least 145 degrees F, while ground beef - which can become contaminated during grinding - should be cooked to at least 160 degrees F. For more information on cooking foods and temperatures, go to www.fightbac.org.

• Chill (refrigerate or freeze) perishable foods and leftovers within two hours because bacteria can thrive in the danger zone between 40 and 140 degrees F. Thawing foods in the refrigerator is the safest method. You can also thaw foods covered in cold water that's changed every half hour or in the microwave. If thawing in the microwave, cook the food right away. Foods being marinated should be kept in the refrigerator. Discard any unused marinade.

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Old age begins at 27: Scientists reveal new research into ageing

Old age is often blamed for causing us to misplace car keys, forget a word or lose our train of thought.

But new research shows that many well-known effects of ageing may start decades before our twilight years.

According to scientists, our mental abilities begin to decline from the age of 27 after reaching a peak at 22.

The researchers studied 2,000 men and women aged 18 to 60 over seven years. The people involved – who were mostly in good health and well-educated – had to solve visual puzzles, recall words and story details and spot patterns in letters and symbols.

Similar tests are often used to diagnose mental disabilities and declines, including dementia.

The research at the University of Virginia, reported in the academic journal Neurobiology Of Aging, found that in nine out of 12 tests the average age at which the top performance was achieved was 22.

The first age at which performance was significantly lower than the peak scores was 27 – for three tests of reasoning, speed of thought and spatial visualization. Memory was shown to decline from the average age of 37. In the other tests, poorer results were shown by the age of 42.

Professor Timothy Salt house said the results suggested that therapies designed to prevent or reverse age-related conditions may need to start earlier, long before people become pensioners.

He wrote: ‘Results converge on a conclusion that some aspects of age-related cognitive decline begin in healthy, educated adults when they are in their 20s and 30s.’

There is some good news, though. The report states that abilities based on accumulated knowledge, such as performance on tests of vocabulary or general information, increase until at least the age of 60.

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The Risks in Using Multiple Medications

Prescription medications can improve the symptoms of a disorder and improve the quality of life. However, they also have the potential to cause dangerous side effects. A good guideline followed by physicians who prescribe medications to the elderly is to "start low and go slow," meaning the elderly should take new medications at a slower rate and start at about half the adult dose. As our bodies change with age, so does the need for a different dosage, interval and duration of treatment. The longer an individual is on a drug, the greater the likelihood of an adverse reaction. The effects of a harmful drug reaction can appear as an isolated symptom (drowsiness) or as a group of symptoms (depression and confusion). In the elderly, toxic reactions can occur even at low drug dosages. Therefore, the elderly should approach the use of prescription medication with caution and report any unusual or new symptoms to their health care provider. It is important to consult a health care provider before changing any prescription medication dosage.

Medications that Pose a Risk and Why:

(Medications listed below are to be avoided or need close monitoring)

Medications of Risk	Problems
Benzodiazepines (antianxiety), Long acting agents Diazepam (Valium) Flurazepam (Dalmane ) Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) Alprazolam (Xanax) Barbiturates	Confusion, sedation and falls.
Antidepressants (used to treat depression), Amitryptiline (Elavil) Doxepin (Sinequan) Imipramine (Tofranil)	Confusion, sedation, hypotension, falls, and urinary retention.
Antipsychotic Agents (used to treat mental disorders) Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) Thioridazine (Mellaril) Haloperidol (Haldol)	Confusion, sedation, hypotension, falls, urinary retention, Parkinsonism (involuntary shaking and twitching), tardive dyskinesia (TD).
Antihistamines (used to treat sinus problems and allergies) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)	Confusion, sedation, hypotension, falls, and urinary retention (inability to empty bladder), sleep disturbance.
Antiemetics (used to relieve nausea) Promethazine (Phenergan) Prochlorperazine (Compazine) Thiethylperazine (Torecan)	Confusion, sedation, hypotension, falls, urinary retention, Parkinsonism (involuntary tremors and rigidity), involuntary movement (tardive dyskinesia)
Analgesics (used to relieve pain) Propoxyphene (Darvon) Meperidine (Demerol)	Constipation, confusion, & sedation.
Antiparkinsonian (used to treat Parkinsons disease) Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet)	Confusion, dizziness, hypotension, increase in cardiovascular toxicity.
Cardiovascular drugs (used to treat heart and blood vessels) Digoxin (Lanoxin) Warfarin (Coumadin)	Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss.Bleeding tendencies (requires close monitoring)
Antispasmodic drugs (used to prevent or relieve spasms) Dicyclomine (Bentyl) Hyoscyamine (Levsin, Levsinex) Pro-Banthine (Propantheline)	Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, delirium.
Urinary Incontinence drugs Oxybutynin (Ditropan) Tolterodine (Detrol)	Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, delirium, confusion

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Prescription drugs' side effects are especially dangerous for the elderly

We live in a world full of drugs whose primary objective is to relieve symptoms instead of heal. Most of these drugs come with side effects, some of which may be quite dangerous. That is especially true when it comes to drugs prescribed for the elderly who are the largest consumers of prescription and over the counter drugs.

When waiting to see a doctor, it is common to share the waiting room with prescription drug salespeople with suitcases full of the latest "drugs of choice." Too many doctors get their drug education from these salespeople who often have no medical background. The end result is that when we go to the doctor, whether to address a specific condition or for a routine check-up, more often than not, we come out of the office with one or more prescriptions.

Prescribing medications to treat several health conditions can actually result in side effects that can make problems worse. A side effect doesn't necessarily have to make itself known when first taking a medication. There is a greater chance of experiencing side effects the longer a drug is taken.

Drug side effects and the elderly

Researchers in Britain have found that commonly used drugs prescribed to half of those that are 65 or older lead to an increased incidence of death and mental health decline, especially when the drugs are prescribed in combination. The researchers' findings, which was published in the August 2011 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggest that these types of drugs negatively affect the brain and increase the risk of decline and death. The study found that patients taking a combination of prescription drugs were at greater risk.

Elderly people take approximately three times the amount of medications that younger people do. Although the elderly are prescribed a wide array of drugs, the most common drugs are heart medications, statins, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants.

Drugs that treat the cardiovascular system can result in nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and bleeding problems. Statins' side effects include muscle weakness and pain (the most serious that can be life threatening), headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, skin rash, and general weakness.

Benzodiazepines can result in sedation, confusion, and falls. The side effects of antidepressants include sedation, confusion, falls, low blood pressure, and urinary retention. Antidepressants also thin the blood. They decrease blood clotting capacity, increasing the risk for stomach and uterine bleeding. Add over the counter NSAID's taken at the same time and the risk doubles.

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New Research on Old Age People

Old people with no regrets live happy

According to the study, conducted by German scientists, If an individual has had a few regrets, it might be to best to let them go, as dwelling on what might have been makes for a miserable old age. They say that regrets naturally decrease as we get older - as we try to make the most of the time we have left and have fewer opportunities for second chances.

A super antioxidant, immune system booster

 Experts are currently learning more about glutathione, a small molecule that is produced by the body and found in every cell. This naturally occurring substance acts as a super antioxidant, immune system booster, detoxifier and cell cycle regulator. It is said to help the body repair damage caused by infection, injury, stress and even aging.

According to MedicineNet.com., “Animal and laboratory studies have demonstrated that glutathione has the potential to fight almost any disease, particularly those associated with aging, since free radical damage is the cause of many of the diseases of old age.”   “Studies have shown that adequate vitamin D is necessary for optimal glutathione production,” and “the best vegetable sources include avocados, onions, garlic, turmeric, spinach and cruciferous (cabbage family) veggies.”

Combating free radicals with antioxidants is one way to keep the worst effects of old age at bay. "Vitamin E cream is something that we can put on the skin to stop protein degradation," Easton points out. "People take Vitamin E supplements or eat foods that are high in vitamin E. The other thing you can do is eat lots of onion and garlic because it has these antioxidants. Or of course the most popular one is to drink lots of red wine."  

However, while diet and exercise still matter in the fight against ageing, lifestyle is not the only factor at play. Stigers' and Easton's research may lead to the development of new drug treatments; meanwhile, genes also play their part - some of us simply have better defenses against free radicals than others.

Tomatoes can save you from high cholesterol: Tomatoes may be an effective alternative to drugs in lowering cholesterol and BP and in preventing heart disease. A bright red pigment called lycopene found in tomatoes and to a lesser extent in watermelon, guava, papaya and pink grapefruit has antioxidant properties that are vital to good health.

Karin Ried and her colleague Peter Fakler from the University of Adelaide are the first to summarise the effect of lycopene on cholesterol and blood pressure (BP), analysing the collective results of 14 studies over the last 55 years.

Damaged DNA in Old Age Causes Pneumonia

A team of researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Centre San Antonio has revealed in May 2011 that DNA in old age gets damaged which makes elder people vulnerable to community-acquired pneumonia. Community-acquired pneumonia is a disease caused due to infection in the lungs. The symptoms of the disease include difficulty in breathing, chest pain, fever and cough. It has been observed that about 1 billion adults all over the world are at the risk of pneumonia. Out of them 800 million adults are older than 65 and an estimated 210 million are suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Both age and COPD, by scientists, have been associated with senescent cells, which are unable to die due to dysregulated function. It has been told that these cells carry increased levels of proteins which is disease-causing bacteria stick to and co-opt to invade the bloodstream. Moreover, the cells discharge out molecules that increase inflammation, and cause the same reaction in the normal cell. A senior author of the study Carlos Orihuela has said that by controlling the inflammatory molecules’ release could short-circuit pneumonia risk in the elderly.

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Eyes Diseases

Eye diseases like cataracts and age related macular degeneration, loss of vision etc. are major eye problems in old age. The Government has launched the National Programme for Control of Blindness to treat various eye problems and control blindness.

As the population ages, the concern over AMD (age-related macular degeneration) grows. The disease is common among people 75 and older, a group that will triple in size over the next 40 years, Mares noted. Already, one in four people older than 65 have early signs of AMD, she said. AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth behind the retina or a breakdown of light-sensitive cells within the retina itself, both of which can lead to serious vision impairment. 

Now all Eye problems can be cured with the use of nanotechnology: It is now possible to become older without degradation of the eye with nanotechnology and chemistry on the path to finding solutions to a host of problems. Age-related blindness, cataract and other retinal diseases can be prevented and cured with the use of nanotechnology.

With more than 40 million people in the world suffering from blindness, experts at the Chennai Chemistry Conference said it was now possible to prevent and postpone cataract with the help of nanoparticles that carry therapeutic agents.

Stem cell Technology:   In a first, medical experts have reported a major scientific breakthrough wherein stem cells could be used in the battle to cure blindness in humans. "Glaucoma remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide and there is currently no way to restore vision once it has been lost. Fight for Sight funding is helping us explore the possibility that stem cell treatments could one day be used to treat glaucoma," the Scotsman quoted Professor Keith Martin, a neuroscientist at Cambridge University, as saying.

Care to avoid eye problems:  While reading or doing concentrated activity, rest your eyes for five to   30- minute intervals. Look away from your work, close your eyes, or simply stare off into space. Blink regularly. Palm your eyes. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply and cover your eyes with the palms of your hands. Protect your eyes from direct sunrays and any kind of dangerous substances.

Green Tea:  Scientists have discovered that green tea can help prevent glaucoma and other eye diseases. They have found that the healthful substances found in green tea — renowned for their powerful antioxidant and disease-fighting properties — do penetrate into tissues of the eye. The new study has documented how the lens, retina, and other eye tissues absorb these substances. Chi Pui Pang and colleagues pointed out that so-called green tea ‘catechins’ have been among a number of antioxidants thought capable of protecting the eye. Those include vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Some Specialised Eye Hospitals in India:  AIIMS; Wockhardt Eye Hospital, Mumbai Sankara Nethralaya; Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute; Guru Nanak Eye Centre Aravind Eye Hospital.

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Osteoporosis (Weak bones)

Osteoporosis with growing age is a condition that means your bones are weak, and you're more likely to break a bone. A broken bone can cause disability, pain, or loss of independence. It can make it harder to do daily activities without help, such as walking. It can also cause severe back pain and deformity. Osteoporosis can happen to any of your bones, but is most common in the hip, wrist, and in your spine or vertebrae. Vertebrae bones support your body to stand and sit upright.  Osteoporosis usually occurs in old age it can occur due to lack of physical activity, weight gain, hormonal changes, metabolic bone diseases such as Hypothyroidism, and Hyperparathyroidism and lack of vitamin D and calcium in your daily diet. Osteoporosis is the reason behind most stress fractures in mid to old age, and it is also a cause for deteriorating quality of life as you grow older. 

 

  There are tests you can get to find out your bone strength, also called bone density. There are also other types of bone strength tests too. If you are age 65 and older, you should get a bone density test. The best way to prevent weak bones is easy--start by building strong ones. The following steps are helpful to stop your bones from becoming weak and brittle.

1. Get enough calcium each day. 

2. Get enough vitamin D each day. You can get vitamin D through sunlight and milk.

3. Eat a healthy diet. - Like vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc, as well as protein. Milk,

    fruits and green green leafy vegetables contains most of vitamins. 

4. Being active really helps your bones. 

5. Don't smoke. Smoking damages your bones and lowers the estrogen in your body. 

6. Reduce your chances of falling by making your home safer.

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Ten Tips for Healthy Aging

Today, due to numerous medical and scientific advances, people are living longer than ever before. But, you do not just automatically live longer—you have to be good to your body, mind, and soul. The following 10 tips are a good start for getting you on your way to living a long and healthy life.

Eat a balanced diet. —A balanced diet is one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and fiber and low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. A well-balanced diet can provide your body with the essential nutrients needed to achieve and maintain optimum health. If you have certain conditions, you may need to take supplements. For example, if you have osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend that you take calcium and vitamin D.

Be physically active. —Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of activity into your day, every day. The options are endless. Start walking in the mornings, join a yoga class, try jogging with a friend, sign up for a basketball league, or go for a bike ride in the afternoons. Make sure you choose activities that you enjoy, that way you will be more likely to make them a habit.

Get regular preventive check-ups. —See your doctor regularly. Remember your doctor is your partner in healthcare. The two of you are working toward the same goal—your optimum health. By having regular check-ups, you may be able to catch small problems before they become big problems. It is also important to have regular dental and eye exams.

Do not smoke. —Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death. It is never too late to quit. Your body will begin to feel the benefits almost immediately. After one day of quitting, your risk of having a heart attack decreases.

Be safe. —Use common sense and be street smart. Do not put yourself in situations that may be dangerous. Just a few ways you can put safety first include:

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Wear a helmet when participating in sports, like biking.
• Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
• Do not go for a run, walk, or jog alone at night. Most attacks happen to people who are alone. Reduce your risk by bringing a friend.
• Use medicines wisely. Follow directions and ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects and drug interactions.
•  Keep your home well lit. Remove items (like loose wires, cords, throw rugs) that could cause you to fall.

Avoid environmental extremes. —Protect your skin when you are outdoors by using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that protects you against UVA and UVB rays. Try to avoid getting too much sun. Dress appropriately for the weather so that you do not get too hot or too cold.

If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. —For a man aged 65 or younger, moderation means no more than two drinks a day. For a man aged 65 or older or a woman of any age, moderation means no more than one drink a day. One drink is:

•  One 12-ounce bottle of beer
• One 5-ounce glass of wine
•  1.5 ounces of spirits

Keep your personal and financial records in order. —Start planning now for your long-term housing and financial needs. For information on banking, saving, buying, getting credit, and investing, check out Consumer.gov at http://www.ncpw.gov/—an excellent resource that can answer many of your questions.

Stay in touch with family and friends. —Get to know your neighbors. Take the time to be involved with your community. By creating a strong social network, you will have friends to celebrate with when good things happen and a support system in difficult times.

Keep a positive attitude. —Studies have shown that people who have a positive attitude tend to live longer and lead healthier and happier lives. Try to avoid taking things personally. Look for the humor in life. And remember to laugh. Several studies have shown that laughter makes you feel better. But, who needs a study to prove that? Just laugh, and you will know it is true.

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Seniors and Aging - Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing down of cartilage in the joints of the body, causing varying degrees of pain, stiffness and swelling. A majority of Canadians will be affected by it by age 70. However, there are prevention and coping strategies that can help seniors with the disease remain active and enjoy a good quality of life.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

                      ·         Pain in or around a joint
                      ·         Stiffness or problems in moving a joint
                      ·         Swelling sometimes in a joint
 Many people do not have any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. It often can take a  long time for the disease to progress and the disease can remain stable for long periods of time.

Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis
                     
Your chances of developing osteoarthritis can depend on several factors.

Age. While age doesn't cause osteoarthritis, the disease affects a very large number of seniors. You can't avoid growing old, but you can improve the way your body ages by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity.

Excess weight. Many studies have pointed to a link between obesity and osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts an extra strain on weight-bearing joints, especially the knees. A recent study estimated that in about 80% of knee replacement surgeries, excess weight was a factor. A 10 -15 lb. weight loss can reduce pain in the knees.

Injury and complications from other conditions. Osteoarthritis can develop because of previous joint injuries or joint inflammation, or diseases that affect the joints, such as diabetes.

Joints can also be injured when they are repeatedly put under high impact stress for long periods of time. Some types of exercise, sports or occupations may increase your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. For example, hand osteoarthritis is often found among boxers and elbow osteoarthritis is more common among pneumatic drill operators.

Heredity. There is a genetic link in some specific forms of osteoarthritis. Some families may have a tendency for defective cartilage, while other families may have slight defects in the way the joints fit together.

Lack of physical activity. Exercise can strengthen supporting muscles and help maintain joint mobility. Often osteoarthritis sufferers avoid activity due to pain, stiffness, fatigue or fear of harming themselves. But inactivity can worsen osteoarthritis symptoms.

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Old age hearing loss

Old age is dreaded by everyone as it weakens the body and limits the physical capabilities.  Immunity and working capacity dwindles and so does the strength of other organs in the body. Weakening of eyesight or old age hearing loss is a common problem, especially during the seventies and eighties.

Loud noise or heavy music can be annoying to a normal person, but for an old person who has less listening capacity these sounds appear normal instead of deafening. Have you noticed any of your grandparents enjoying music on television or audio track in high volume? Well, when the hearing ability starts lessening old people do not immediately understand the problem. And if they are used to living alone, then they simply feel that the volume of TV is low and just go on increasing it.  This old age hearing loss is clinically termed as Presbycusis.

Early stage of Presbycusis

When you start increasing the sound of any audio or video program more than you always needed to hear clearly, it is a clear cut proof that your ability to hear is weakening. 

When regular noise of horns, whistle does not make you shriek as before it is a symptom that Presbycusis is stepping in.

Very regular sounds like running tap water or screeching of chair due to pushing do not have any irritating effect; your hearing ability is getting impaired.

Reasons of Presbycusis

By the time you reach old age, your organs have been used to their limits. But even then some organs still function well while some lose their sensitivity and ability to function to the hilt. Weakening of immunity, eye sight or hearing is a common thing.

Hearing ability depends upon the strength of cochlear hair cells. These cells due to overuse or any other reasons like injury near brain, jaw, cheek, teeth or directly to the ear can get damaged. If not treated properly, these cells become weak over the time and then lose their high frequency ability to catch even the smallest of sound. More the damage to the cells less will be the hearing capacity.

Although the damage to the cochlear hair cells starts from the middle age itself, its repercussions and effects are seen during old age when you cross sixties. Hearing loss is mostly seen in male adults as compared to female.

Most prominent cause of Presbycusis

Presbycusis is a natural phenomenon and can occur to any old person. But the cases have increased more in the past decade and noise pollution is the main culprit. Deafening noise of traffic, sirens, horns, machines and habit to hear loud ear storming music damage the capacity of the cochlear hair cells. Hence, this old age hearing loss is fast becoming middle age hearing loss as the symptoms are now being noticed in people even in their thirties and forties.

God has given everyone the most wonderful quality in the form of ability to hear. It’s time you understand its value and stop misusing it. If steps are taken in the youth, your hearing capability can be retained for years together.

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