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[h=2]If your kids are away, retirement is nigh and life has become less frantic, it is a good time to tick a few boxes and ensure your well-being, say doctors Alka Ganesh and L. Gayathri whose patients include many elderly women[/h]
“Women the world over live longer than men, but this does not mean they live healthier lives,” says Alka Ganesh, HoD of Medicine and Geriatric Consultant, GKNM. “A menopausal or a woman over 60, is vulnerable to various health issues. One of the most common is osteoporosis. Calcium levels decrease and there is a thinning of the bones,” says Dr. Alka. That explains the inexplicable falls and fractures as women age. “Women over 65 and those who have had early menopause or a hysterectomy must have a Dexa Scan to detect osteoporosis. It is a one time test,” she says.
L. Gayathri, General Physician at Grand World Elder Care, says a woman must check her cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes annually. “If irregularities show up in the reports, then her doctor can recommend appropriate treatment,” she says.
Both Dr. Alka and Dr. Gayathri strongly advise a pap smear after the age of 50. In India incidence of cervical cancer is high as only a handful care to get themselves checked up. And any post-menopausal bleeding is to be taken seriously. Risk of breast cancer also increases with age. A woman must do self-examination of her breasts regularly and she will be able to pick up any changes if there are any. Her gynaecologist can teach her how to do it.
Depression
While medical intervention can sort out physical issues, diagnosing depression is much more difficult, says Dr. Alka. “It is not easily detected. Empty nest syndrome, the loss of a spouse…and a woman may start feeling she has nothing to live for.”
The symptoms are not tangible. It is vague aches and pains, unusual lethargy, loss of interest in activities… There are no tests for these and doctors tend to dismiss the complaints as nothing serious, says Dr. Alka.
“Sometimes it is just a matter of prescribing an anti-depressant. Or just counselling that can work wonders.”
While medical intervention can sort out physical issues, diagnosing depression is difficult
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/ageing-healthfully/article8038711.ece?homepage=true
