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Author: Dr Karthiyayini Mahadevan, Head, Wellness and Wellbeing at Columbia Pacific Communities
India
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Chandigarh, March 02, 2023:
Ageing is an unavoidable process. Due to the present unhealthy lifestyle, the ageing process has accelerated and is leading to depletion of the reserves which one taps into after 40 years. Screening is an important tool to understand the ageing process.
The screening tools need not be invasive and one must start with simpler tools. There are some common tools which must be utilised by people above the age of 50 across all the genders. This includes:
1. a. Musculoskeletal assessment to understand the effect of gravity on the joints and skeletal system. By doing this, one can start working out to improve the capability of independent functional skills.
b. To check the bone mineral density to rule out osteoporosis. Remedial measures can be taken accordingly to avoid fractures.
c. Fall prevention assessment to understand one’s balance and coordination. This is a very important screening to improve balance and coordination.
2. Screening to understand the pulmonary functions and one’s lung capacity is important to rule out obstructive or restrictive lung diseases. Accordingly, one can start working on their vital capacities to have a healthy living.
3. Screening to rule out cardiac functions are important, particularly for women in their post-menopausal age and for all of those who have a family history of heart disease. Simple measures like regular checking of blood pressure and lipid profile can give a better understanding about the risk imposed and accordingly measures can be taken through lifestyle modifications.
4. Sensory organ function are used to assess vision, hearing, tactile sensation, proprioception, and vestibular senses. One needs to do screening for the eye to rule out glaucoma and hearing for partial or total hearing loss if there is any occupational hazard.
To do the screening specific to women who have a high risk profile, it may require HRT and other interventions for optimal health. These include premature menopause at age of 40 or earlier, artificial menopause before the age of 45 induced by surgery, chemotherapy, drugs or radiation, high umbilical to hip ratio (apple obesity), smoker, strong family history of Alzheimer’s /dementia, sedantary lifestyle, nutrient poor refined foods. Screening includes pap smear, lipid profile and mammography
For men, to rule out prostrate cancer, PSA and USG can assess the enlargement of the gland and post void residue. Screening of health status should be undertaken for positive ageing and not because of fear of illness.
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