Many people make assumptions about aging, and what it is like to grow “old”. For example, a common misconception is that a person needs less sleep as they age, when in fact all adults need the same amount of sleep — 7 to 9 hours each night. Get the real answers to the top 10 myths about aging.
Aging Man
Image by Hermes Rivera/Unsplash
1. Depression and Loneliness Are Normal in Older Adults.
Depression Changes the Brain
Image by TheVisualMD
Depression Changes the Brain
Image by TheVisualMD
1. Depression and Loneliness Are Normal in Older Adults.
As people age, some may find themselves feeling isolated and alone. This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and sadness. However, these feelings are not a normal part of aging as growing older can have many emotional benefits, such as long-lasting relationships with friends and family and a lifetime of memories to share with loved ones. In fact, studies show that older adults are less likely to experience depression than young adults. So, when should you be concerned? It’s important to remember that older adults with depression may have less obvious symptoms or be less likely to discuss their feelings. Depression is a common and potentially serious mood disorder, but there are treatments that are effective for most people.
Get Immediate Help
If you are thinking about harming yourself, tell someone immediately who can help.
Do not isolate yourself.
Call your doctor.
Call 911 or go directly to a hospital emergency room or ask a friend or family member to help you.
Call the toll-free, 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889).
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Additional Materials (5)
WHO: Let’s talk about depression – focus on older people
Video by World Health Organization (WHO)/YouTube
Depression in older people
Video by Choose Psychiatry/YouTube
One Woman's Experience With Depression
Video by National Institute On Aging/YouTube
Why Depression Goes Unnoticed in Older Adults
Video by MedCircle/YouTube
Clinical Implications of Depression in the Geriatric Population | UPMC
Video by UPMC/YouTube
0:31
WHO: Let’s talk about depression – focus on older people
World Health Organization (WHO)/YouTube
6:34
Depression in older people
Choose Psychiatry/YouTube
3:31
One Woman's Experience With Depression
National Institute On Aging/YouTube
9:02
Why Depression Goes Unnoticed in Older Adults
MedCircle/YouTube
2:59
Clinical Implications of Depression in the Geriatric Population | UPMC
UPMC/YouTube
2. The Older I Get, the Less Sleep I Need.
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Seniors Need Sleep
Video by TheVisualMD
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Seniors Need Sleep
Contrary to popular belief, seniors do not need less sleep. They simply tend to get less sleep. In adulthood and the senior years, more than one-third of the U.S. population reports inadequate or disrupted sleep. A lack of sufficient sleep can lead to many health complications, especially in the elderly. Sleep's role in memory processing and storage is vitally important, as seniors are naturally at risk for memory loss and dementia. Seniors who aren't getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night should let their medical professional know, and try to resolve the problem.
Video by TheVisualMD
2. The Older I Get, the Less Sleep I Need.
As people age, they may find themselves having a harder time falling and staying asleep. A common misconception is that a person’s sleep needs decline with age. Older adults need the same amount of sleep as all adults — 7 to 9 hours each night. Getting enough sleep keeps you healthy and alert. Adequate sleep can also help reduce your risk of falls, improve your overall mental well-being, and have many other benefits.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Additional Materials (14)
Woman, Old, Black And White
Image by drphuc/Pixabay
Sleep and Aging - Research on Aging
Video by University of California Television (UCTV)/YouTube
Aging and Sleep Problems
Video by Howard County General Hospital/YouTube
Getting Older and Good Sleep: Do They Go Hand in Hand? - Research on Aging
Video by University of California Television (UCTV)/YouTube
WHY Sleep is critical for the Body and Brain | Science of Sleep
Video by What I've Learned/YouTube
Sleep Disorders in Older Adults - Research on Aging
Video by University of California Television (UCTV)/YouTube
How aging really affects your sleep
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Amazing Effects of Sleep (And Lack of it)
Video by BrainCraft/YouTube
Sleep: Are You Getting Enough? Probably Not
Video by Healthcare Triage/YouTube
How Does Sleep Affect Your Face?
Video by BuzzFeed Multiplayer/YouTube
Sleep Like a Baby: Myths About Insomnia and Aging
Video by Stanford Health Care/YouTube
Sleep, Memory and Age
Video by UCTVTips/YouTube
What If You Stopped Sleeping?
Video by AsapSCIENCE/YouTube
Dealing with Menopause, Naturally
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
Woman, Old, Black And White
drphuc/Pixabay
58:48
Sleep and Aging - Research on Aging
University of California Television (UCTV)/YouTube
5:48
Aging and Sleep Problems
Howard County General Hospital/YouTube
59:28
Getting Older and Good Sleep: Do They Go Hand in Hand? - Research on Aging
University of California Television (UCTV)/YouTube
14:12
WHY Sleep is critical for the Body and Brain | Science of Sleep
What I've Learned/YouTube
59:41
Sleep Disorders in Older Adults - Research on Aging
University of California Television (UCTV)/YouTube
1:32
How aging really affects your sleep
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
3:59
Amazing Effects of Sleep (And Lack of it)
BrainCraft/YouTube
4:55
Sleep: Are You Getting Enough? Probably Not
Healthcare Triage/YouTube
3:00
How Does Sleep Affect Your Face?
BuzzFeed Multiplayer/YouTube
1:05:34
Sleep Like a Baby: Myths About Insomnia and Aging
Stanford Health Care/YouTube
2:48
Sleep, Memory and Age
UCTVTips/YouTube
3:01
What If You Stopped Sleeping?
AsapSCIENCE/YouTube
1:50
Dealing with Menopause, Naturally
Lee Health/YouTube
3. Older Adults Can’t Learn New Things.
Brain of Elderly
Image by TheVisualMD
Brain of Elderly
Your brain is not a static organ. The nerves that make up the bulk of this 3-pound marvel are constantly changing, growing, making new connections and eventually dying throughout your lifetime. Eventually, as with all of our cells, brain neurons begin to deteriorate, and when they do, brain function suffers. As we age, once robust networks of nerves start to weaken and connections get lost. The result? It gets harder to remember things and keep track of people, objects and events.
Image by TheVisualMD
3. Older Adults Can’t Learn New Things.
Not true! Older adults still have the ability to learn new things, create new memories, and improve their performance in a variety of skills. While aging does often come with changes in thinking, many cognitive changes are positive, such as having more knowledge and insight from a lifetime of experiences.
Trying and learning new skills may even improve cognitive abilities. For example, one study found that older adults who learned quilting or digital photography had improved memory. Seeking out new social connections with others and engaging in social activities, such as a dance class or book club, can keep your brain active and may also boost your cognitive health.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Additional Materials (6)
What is Cognitive Aging
Video by Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine/YouTube
Preventing Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Way Forward
Video by NASEM Health and Medicine Division/YouTube
Aging and cognitive abilities | Processing the Environment | MCAT | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Cognition and Healthy Brain Aging Video – Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Video by Brigham And Women's Hospital/YouTube
Six Tips to Maintain Brain Health
Video by CareMount Medical/YouTube
How the food you eat affects your brain - Mia Nacamulli
Video by TED-Ed/YouTube
10:01
What is Cognitive Aging
Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine/YouTube
6:59
Preventing Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Way Forward
NASEM Health and Medicine Division/YouTube
3:09
Aging and cognitive abilities | Processing the Environment | MCAT | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
7:39
Cognition and Healthy Brain Aging Video – Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Brigham And Women's Hospital/YouTube
3:09
Six Tips to Maintain Brain Health
CareMount Medical/YouTube
4:53
How the food you eat affects your brain - Mia Nacamulli
TED-Ed/YouTube
4. It Is Inevitable That Older People Will Get Dementia.
Older African-American man
Image by NIMH Image Library
Older African-American man
Image by NIMH Image Library
4. It Is Inevitable That Older People Will Get Dementia.
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Although the risk of dementia grows as people get older, it is not inevitable, and many people live into their 90s and beyond without the significant declines in thinking and behavior that characterize dementia. Occasionally forgetting an appointment or losing your keys are typical signs of mild forgetfulness, which is very common in normal aging. Nevertheless, you should talk with a doctor if you have serious concerns about your memory and thinking, or notice changes in your behavior and personality. These problems can have a range of different causes, some of which are treatable or reversible. Finding the cause is important for determining best next steps.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Additional Materials (6)
Is Forgetfulness Normal or Not?
Video by National Institute On Aging/YouTube
Aging and Dementia
Video by Attitude/YouTube
About dementia: The dementia guide
Video by Alzheimer's Society/YouTube
Dementia 101 in 101 Seconds
Video by Alzheimer's Weekly/YouTube
Frontotemporal Dementia: True Facts About FTD or Pick's Disease
Video by Multi Facts/YouTube
Living with Lewy Body Dementia - Mayo Clinic
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
1:19
Is Forgetfulness Normal or Not?
National Institute On Aging/YouTube
28:11
Aging and Dementia
Attitude/YouTube
5:17
About dementia: The dementia guide
Alzheimer's Society/YouTube
1:43
Dementia 101 in 101 Seconds
Alzheimer's Weekly/YouTube
3:44
Frontotemporal Dementia: True Facts About FTD or Pick's Disease
Multi Facts/YouTube
2:58
Living with Lewy Body Dementia - Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
5. Older Adults Should Take It Easy and Avoid Exercise So They Don’t Get Injured.
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Exercise & Aging
Video by TheVisualMD
This browser does not support the video element.
Exercise & Aging
It is never too late for a person to benefit from beginning an appropriate exercise program. Never. Those over age 75 who begin strength, flexibility, balance and aerobic training can retain more bone density and muscle mass than their sedentary peers. They also have better cardiovascular health and lower risk of obesity, depression and injuries from falling. Seniors don't need Olympic-level training, just a smart plan for staying strong and flexible.
Video by TheVisualMD
5. Older Adults Should Take It Easy and Avoid Exercise So They Don’t Get Injured.
As you age, you may think exercise could do more harm than good, especially if you have a chronic condition. However, studies show that you have a lot more to gain by being active — and a lot to lose by sitting too much. Often, inactivity is more to blame than age when older people lose the ability to do things on their own. Almost anyone, at any age and with most health conditions, can participate in some type of physical activity. In fact, physical activity may help manage some chronic conditions. Exercise and physical activity are not only great for your mental and physical health, but can help keep you independent as you age. Tai Chi and similar mind and body movement practices have been shown to improve balance and stability in older adults and this can help maintain independence and prevent future falls.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Additional Materials (13)
The Emotional Benefits of Exercise
Video by National Institute On Aging/YouTube
10 Benefits Of Exercise On The Brain And Body - Why You Need Exercise
Video by Practical Wisdom - Interesting Ideas/YouTube
96-year-old Holds The World Record For Oldest Yoga Teacher
Video by truly/YouTube
The Science of Aging
Video by AsapSCIENCE/YouTube
Doctors Debunk 13 Aging Myths
Video by Science Insider/YouTube
Why We Age - And How We Can Stop It
Video by SciShow/YouTube
Living with Osteoarthritis
Video by CNN/YouTube
Benefits of Aqua Aerobics Exercise
Video by LivingHealthyChicago/YouTube
4 Flexibility and Cool Down Exercises for Older Adults
Video by National Institute On Aging/YouTube
4 Lower Body Strength Exercises for Older Adults
Video by National Institute On Aging/YouTube
10-minute Sample Workout for Older Adults
Video by National Institute On Aging/YouTube
Exercise - Inner Thigh Stretch
Video by National Institute On Aging/YouTube
Endurance Exercises for Older Adults
Video by National Institute On Aging/YouTube
0:40
The Emotional Benefits of Exercise
National Institute On Aging/YouTube
5:45
10 Benefits Of Exercise On The Brain And Body - Why You Need Exercise
Practical Wisdom - Interesting Ideas/YouTube
3:25
96-year-old Holds The World Record For Oldest Yoga Teacher
truly/YouTube
2:06
The Science of Aging
AsapSCIENCE/YouTube
9:41
Doctors Debunk 13 Aging Myths
Science Insider/YouTube
10:24
Why We Age - And How We Can Stop It
SciShow/YouTube
2:36
Living with Osteoarthritis
CNN/YouTube
3:01
Benefits of Aqua Aerobics Exercise
LivingHealthyChicago/YouTube
11:15
4 Flexibility and Cool Down Exercises for Older Adults
National Institute On Aging/YouTube
10:08
4 Lower Body Strength Exercises for Older Adults
National Institute On Aging/YouTube
10:06
10-minute Sample Workout for Older Adults
National Institute On Aging/YouTube
1:43
Exercise - Inner Thigh Stretch
National Institute On Aging/YouTube
2:25
Endurance Exercises for Older Adults
National Institute On Aging/YouTube
6. If a Family Member Has Alzheimer’s Disease, I Will Have It, Too.
Aging vs Alzheimer's Disease
Image by TheVisualMD
Aging vs Alzheimer's Disease
Research shows that a brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease looks very different from one undergoing normal aging. While all brains shrink in volume as we get older, Alzheimer’s brains lose even more volume than healthy brains. Understanding these differences could lead to better ways to diagnose the disease earlier, even before symptoms appear. Hippocampus Recent imaging studies show that Alzheimer’s can lead to a 10% shrinkage in the hippocampus over two years, compared to a 4% reduction in volume among healthy people. The disease can also cause changes in the shape of this region, due to the intrusion of abnormal proteins that are linked to Alzheimer’s. Cerebral Cortex There are about 1010th nerve cells in this part of the brain, which makes up the outer covering of the brain. The cortex is critical for intelligence, personality, planning and motor functions. In Alzheimer’s disease the cortex shrinks because of the loss of nerve cells. Ventricles Our brains have four large cavities, each filled with fluid that flows between the brain and the spinal cord. Because Alzheimer’s causes nerve cells to die, Alzheimer’s patients tend to have larger ventricles since more of their brain tissue is destroyed. Basal Ganglia This grouping of nerve cells located on each side of the brain’s hemispheres is critical to coordinating cognition and voluntary movement; in Alzheimer’s patients, their activity on both sides of the brain is no longer even, resulting in difficulty organizing thoughts and movements. White Matter Tracts Nerve cell tissue is divided into two types—white and grey matter. White matter makes up the bulk of nerve cell volume, and includes the axons and their protective layer, known as myelin. Alzheimer’s patients show signs of reduced white matter in relation to grey matter, particularly in regions important to memory, which suggests that as the disease progresses, nerve cells are losing their axonal links to one another. How Different is the Alzheimer’s Brain? By the time Alzheimer’s is well-established, there are distinct differences between an affected brain and one that is aging normally, say experts. But increasingly, they believe it’s important to identify those who are in the early stages of disease, so they might benefit from lifestyle interventions, such as keeping their brains active, that might slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s. But is it possible to select out these patients before their symptoms give them away? That’s still an open question, but with advances in imaging techniques that can get ever finer resolution of brain structures, researchers are hopeful they can pick out the first signs of Alzheimer’s—or at least the first signs of abnormal aging—so they can study these patients further. They are also working on protein tests, hopefully based on blood, that can detect proteins specific to the disease, even in its earliest stages.
Image by TheVisualMD
6. If a Family Member Has Alzheimer’s Disease, I Will Have It, Too.
A person’s chance of having Alzheimer’s disease may be higher if he or she has a family history of dementia because there are some genes that we know increase risk. However, having a parent with Alzheimer’s does not necessarily mean that someone will develop the disease. Learn about your family health history and talk with your doctor about your concerns.
Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as exercise, diet, exposure to pollutants, and smoking also may affect a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s. While you cannot control the genes you inherited, you can take steps to stay healthy as you age, such as getting regular exercise, controlling high blood pressure, and not smoking.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Additional Materials (2)
A Healthier Outlook
Get Active While nothing has been proven to stop Alzheimer's, studies show that some behaviors may help to lessen the symptoms of cognitive decline and memory loss. There are some lifestyle habits that could theoretically help prevent Alzheimer’s. Staying physically active can keep blood flowing to the brain to nourish nerve cells so they can function. Many caregivers help patients to maintain a regular schedule of walking or other exercise to keep them active.
Stay Socially Engaged Being part of a strong network of family and friends may keep the brain stimulated and help to maintain nerve cell networks involved in memory. Church groups and other regular social gatherings are also a good way to strengthen social ties.
Train Your Brain Any activity that engages the brain's powers to think, organize and plan can strengthen the nerve circuits that keep the intellect sharp. Games and puzzles, as well as learning new things such as languages, may work to reinforce nerve cell networks that are vulnerable to decline in Alzheimer's.
Eat Healthy There is no anti-Alzheimer's diet, but a heart-healthy eating strategy can help to maintain blood flow to the brain to nourish nerve cells.
Rest your brain Sleep is a critical part of the brain's daily work cycle. Because events during the day are replayed and stored during sleep as memories, getting enough rest may help even a brain affected by Alzheimer's to maintain as much recall as possible.
The Nun Study, a long-term investigation of the lifestyle factors that contribute to aging, provides some of the strongest evidence of the power of brain training to combat Alzheimer’s. And that training includes education. In the ongoing study, researchers perform autopsies of brains donated by sisters of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. What makes the sisters ideal participants in the study are detailed records kept by the Order that detail their education, life experiences and even their writing samples. When the scientists compared writing samples the nuns had written before taking their vows in which they described themselves, for example, they learned that the nuns who used more expressive and complicated sentence structure were less likely to succumb to Alzheimer’s than those who used more simple constructions. The sisters are already putting into practice what scientists are learning about lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s; they regularly play thinking games and spend time knitting and writing. The Nun Study continues to identify such modifiable lifestyle factors that may help to control or reverse the disease.
Image by TheVisualMD
Should you get a Genetic Test for Alzheimer's Disease? | Being Patient
Video by Being Patient Alzheimer's/YouTube
A Healthier Outlook
TheVisualMD
6:47
Should you get a Genetic Test for Alzheimer's Disease? | Being Patient
Being Patient Alzheimer's/YouTube
7. Now That I Am Older, I Will Have to Give up Driving.
Road Trip
Image by StockSnap/Pixabay
Road Trip
Image by StockSnap/Pixabay
7. Now That I Am Older, I Will Have to Give up Driving.
As the U.S. population ages, the number of licensed older adults on the road will continue to increase. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recorded a record-high 221.7 million licensed drivers in the U.S. in 2016, including 41.7 million — or almost one in five — who are 65 years or older.
Natural changes can occur with age that may affect a person’s ability to drive, like having slower response speed, diminished vision or hearing, and reduced strength or mobility. The question of when it is time to limit or stop driving should not be about age, rather, it should be about one’s ability to drive safely. These questions may help you determine if you or a loved one needs to limit or stop driving. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about your health and driving.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Additional Materials (2)
Illustration of the passenger in a car talking to the driver
Whether you’re a new driver or have been driving for decades, it’s important to think about what keeps you safe.
Image by NIH News in Health
Older Drivers
Video by CBC News: The National/YouTube
Illustration of the passenger in a car talking to the driver
NIH News in Health
2:04
Older Drivers
CBC News: The National/YouTube
8. Only Women Need to Worry About Osteoporosis.
Reduced bone mineral density in Osteoporosis
Image by Scientific Animations, Inc.
Reduced bone mineral density in Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of bone where there is reduced bone mineral density (R), increasing the likelihood of fractures.
Image by Scientific Animations, Inc.
8. Only Women Need to Worry About Osteoporosis.
Although osteoporosis is more common in women, this disease still affects many men and could be underdiagnosed. While men may not be as likely to have osteoporosis because they start with more bone density than women, one in five men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. By age 65 or 70, men and women lose bone mass at the same rate.
Many of the things that put men at risk are the same as those for women, including family history, not enough calcium or vitamin D, and too little exercise. Low levels of testosterone, too much alcohol, taking certain drugs, and smoking are other risk factors.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Additional Materials (15)
Mayo Clinic Minute: Osteoporosis affects men, too
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
What Puts Men at Risk for Osteoporosis
Video by National Jewish Health/YouTube
Osteoporosis: A Man's Disease Too
Video by Osteoporosis Canada/YouTube
Internal Medicine Report: Screening for Osteoporosis in Men
Video by American College of Physicians/YouTube
Include Men In Osteoporosis Screening Guidelines
Video by National Jewish Health/YouTube
Osteoporosis: Risks for men and women
Video by CBS/YouTube
Men also at risk for osteoporosis, study finds
Video by CBS Mornings/YouTube
Osteoporosis in Men
Video by AllHealthGo/YouTube
Male Osteoporosis - Are men at risk?
Video by Illinois Bone & Joint Institute/YouTube
Dr. Campbell: Osteoporosis-related fractures may be deadlier for men
Video by CBS 17/YouTube
Does Osteoporosis also occur in men?
Video by BJC Health/YouTube
How Does Osteoporosis Differ in Men and Women?
Video by Good Samaritan Hospital San Jose/YouTube
Silent Disease: Osteoporosis and Men
Video by Iowa's News Now/YouTube
Dr. Max Gomez: Osteoporosis In Men
Video by CBS New York/YouTube
Osteoporosis | Healthy Male
Video by Healthy Male/YouTube
1:01
Mayo Clinic Minute: Osteoporosis affects men, too
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
0:33
What Puts Men at Risk for Osteoporosis
National Jewish Health/YouTube
1:46
Osteoporosis: A Man's Disease Too
Osteoporosis Canada/YouTube
2:14
Internal Medicine Report: Screening for Osteoporosis in Men
American College of Physicians/YouTube
1:29
Include Men In Osteoporosis Screening Guidelines
National Jewish Health/YouTube
1:56
Osteoporosis: Risks for men and women
CBS/YouTube
2:45
Men also at risk for osteoporosis, study finds
CBS Mornings/YouTube
2:34
Osteoporosis in Men
AllHealthGo/YouTube
3:14
Male Osteoporosis - Are men at risk?
Illinois Bone & Joint Institute/YouTube
2:11
Dr. Campbell: Osteoporosis-related fractures may be deadlier for men
CBS 17/YouTube
0:30
Does Osteoporosis also occur in men?
BJC Health/YouTube
1:23
How Does Osteoporosis Differ in Men and Women?
Good Samaritan Hospital San Jose/YouTube
3:23
Silent Disease: Osteoporosis and Men
Iowa's News Now/YouTube
1:55
Dr. Max Gomez: Osteoporosis In Men
CBS New York/YouTube
2:14
Osteoporosis | Healthy Male
Healthy Male/YouTube
9. I’m “Too Old” to Quit Smoking.
Stopping Smoking Countdown to Better Health
Image by TheVisualMD
Stopping Smoking Countdown to Better Health
Over time, your health improves on multiple fronts after you quit smoking. At first, you`ll notice that it`s easier to breathe, smell, and taste. As you remain smoke-free, important recovery takes place in the lining of your respiratory organs, heart, and blood vessels. Circulation improves, coughing subsides, and your risk of major smoking-related illness drops.
Image by TheVisualMD
9. I’m “Too Old” to Quit Smoking.
It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you have been smoking, quitting at any time improves your health. Smokers who quit have fewer illnesses such as colds and the flu, lower rates of bronchitis and pneumonia, and an overall better feeling of well-being.
The benefits of quitting are almost immediate. Within a few hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood begins to decline and, in a few weeks, your circulation improves, and your lung function increases. Smoking causes an immediate and long term rise in your heart rate and blood pressure, but quitting can lead to a lowering of heart rate and blood pressure over time. Quitting smoking will also lower your risk of cancer, heart attack, stroke, and lung disease. Quitting will also reduce secondhand smoke exposure to other family members or caregivers in the home. It is never too late to reap the benefits of quitting smoking and setting a healthy example for your children and grandchildren.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Additional Materials (3)
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is bad for anyone, of course, but it`s especially bad for people with prediabetes or diabetes. Scientists have known for many years that smokers with diabetes have higher blood sugar levels than nonsmokers with diabetes, but they haven`t understood why. Now, researchers at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California, have discovered a “smoking gun” that helps to explain why smoking is especially bad for people with diabetes. They found strong evidence that it`s the nicotine in tobacco that`s the main culprit in making symptoms of diabetes and the risk of developing complications far worse for smokers. Their study showed that nicotine causes blood A1C levels to rise by as much as 34%. And the higher the nicotine levels, the more A1C is produced. Smoking also constricts blood vessels and raises the level of inflammation throughout the body. Smoking is linked with insulin resistance. In fact, cigarette smokers are almost three times as likely to develop diabetes as people who have never smoked.For people who already have diabetes, smoking causes macrovascular complications (like heart attack and stroke) and microvascular complications (such as kidney disease, retinal disease, and foot problems) to occur sooner. Smoking increases risk of death for people with diabetes. Studies show that smoking shortens lives an average of 5-10 years, but there`s evidence that it shortens lifespan even more for people with diabetes. Quitting Smoking • Write down your reasons for quitting. Smoke cessation counselors find this a crucial step in successfully quitting. You must be clear on your goals and reasons for quitting. Writing them down in your own words personalizes and reinforces your objective. • Tell your doctor, friends and family that you want to quit. You will need their support and participation. Ask friends and family not to smoke or keep cigarettes near you. Let them know you may go through some emotional phases that won`t be easy for any of you on the way to a smoke-free life. • Make your home smoke-free. Insist that no one ever smoke inside, for the health of everyone who lives there. Quitters who live in smoke-free homes have fewer episodes of backsliding. It`s important, though, when quitting smoking, to take steps to avoid putting on weight, as weight gain creates health problems as well, especially for people who have diabetes.
Image by TheVisualMD
Ready to Quit
Smokers' reasons for quitting range from the high cost to their kids' health
Image by TheVisualMD
Quit Smoking
Smoking will kill about 650 million of all the people alive in the world today. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the US, where it kills about 440,000 people each year. Tobacco is a very toxic drug. Smoking even 1-4 cigarettes a day can lead to serious health problems, including a higher risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and dying at a younger age. Smokers are twice as likely to die of a heart attack as nonsmokers, and are much more likely to die within 1 hour of a heart attack.
Image by TheVisualMD
Quitting Smoking
TheVisualMD
Ready to Quit
TheVisualMD
Quit Smoking
TheVisualMD
10. My Blood Pressure Has Lowered or Returned to Normal, So I Can Stop Taking My Medication.
The Silent Killer
Image by TheVisualMD
The Silent Killer
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is called the "silent killer" because it often has no noticeable symptoms. Hypertension may go unnoticed over a period of years-until a serious medical condition appears, like heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease. Blood pressure is the force of the circulating blood against the inner walls of your blood vessels. Hypertension is persistently high pressure in the arteries. About 30% of adults aged 18 or older in the US have hypertension (about the same as for the rest of the developed world), and that percentage has remained stable over the last decade. African Americans have higher levels of hypertension (42%) than non-Hispanic whites (29%) and Mexican Americans (26%).
Image by TheVisualMD
10. My Blood Pressure Has Lowered or Returned to Normal, So I Can Stop Taking My Medication.
High blood pressure is a very common problem for older adults — especially those in their 80s and 90s — and can lead to serious health problems if not treated properly. If you take high blood pressure medicine and your blood pressure goes down, it means the medicine and any lifestyle changes you have made are working. However, it is very important to continue your treatment and activities long-term. If you stop taking your medicine, your blood pressure could rise again, increasing your risk for health problems like stroke and kidney disease. Talk with your doctor about possibilities for safely changing or stopping your medication.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Additional Materials (4)
Blood pressure changes over time | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Trying to Control Blood Pressure Isn't Always the Right Move for the Elderly
Video by Healthcare Triage/YouTube
Healthy Aging - Seniors Battle High Blood Pressure
Video by CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System/YouTube
Rewinding the clock on aging blood vessels
Video by Harvard Medical School/YouTube
11:25
Blood pressure changes over time | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
4:06
Trying to Control Blood Pressure Isn't Always the Right Move for the Elderly
Healthcare Triage/YouTube
1:46
Healthy Aging - Seniors Battle High Blood Pressure
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10 Myths About Aging
Many people make assumptions about aging, and what it is like to grow “old”. For example, a common misconception is that a person needs less sleep as they age, when in fact all adults need the same amount of sleep — 7 to 9 hours each night. Get the real answers to the top 10 myths about aging.