Improvement of Medical Care of the Elderly

Health promotion and prevention of risk factors and begaviours are not reserved exclusively to younger age groups. Quite on the contrary, they have at least equal imporatnce in the population of the elederly. It is therfore necessary to familiarize persons of this age segment with those most important risk factors, as well as with recommendations for regular check-ups and screening. This approach can prevent or postone occurence of many chronic diseases and disabilities or delay complications..
Old persons should take responsibility for their own health, and together with health care services contribute to their healthy and succesful ageing. To achieve this goal it is necessary to practice healthy behaviours and have regular check ups of their health status.

Healty ageing means:

EAT HEALTHY

• At least 5 meals containing fruit and vegies
• Fish – at least once a week 
• Whole grain food 
• Nuts
• Reduce salt(<6g/dan)

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• It is never too late to start
• Consult your doctor
• Seek help and support from your friends, family and professional
• Start with light exercise
• Practice on a regular basis, at least 30 minutes a day

QUIT SMOKING

ALCOHOL 

Should be reduced to minimum-less than 2 drinks for males and 1 for females)

MAKE SURE TO MAINTAIN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL ACTIVITY

• socialize with family and friends
• join various clubs and associations
• read, learn new skills
• choose a hobby – it is never too late

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REGULAR CONTROL OF CHRONIC DISESES AND MEASURES TO REDUCE RISK FACTORS

• Maintaining blood pressure within acceptable ranges, <140/90 mmHg, in diabetes patients and others at higher risk < 130/80 mmHg 
• Maintaining glucoregulation within acceptable ranges -HbA1c < 6,5% 
• Lipidogram within acceptable ranges -cholesterol< 5,2mmol/L
• Maintaining appropriate body mass, reduce waist circumference to < 102 cm males < 88 cm females

RECCOMENDATION FOR EARLY DETECTION OF RISK FACTORS FOR CHRONIC AND MALIGNANT DISEASES

• Body weight – check at least once a year
• Blood pressure – check at least once a year
• cholesterol levels- to check every 5 years at minimum
• immunization – flue once a year; Tetanus-Diphtheria – every 10 years; Pneumococc.vacc. – once at the age of 65. 
• Early detection of colorectal cancer – stool test (bleeding) every 5 years, colonoscopy at least once in 10 years
• Detection of diabetes mellitus – at least once in 3 years
• Eye exam – every 1-2 years if needed
• Ear exam – every 1-2 years if needed
• Breast examination – by a medical doctor, once a year, self-exam once a month, mammography once in 2 years
• Gynecological PAP smear- every 1-3 years
• Testicles -Part of every routing systematic examination
• Prostate cancer- PSA, rectal exam after the age of 50 is compulsory 1 year