FORTIES
The eyes have it
Eyesight often declines in your forties.
Regular eye checks are important
in addressing any issues, not just in
your reading glasses prescription but
also in the monitoring and diagnosis
of other eye issues such as cataracts.
Wearing sunglasses when outside and
ensuring your diet includes lycopene
(found in red fruit and vegetables
such as tomatoes, watermelon and red
capsicum) are some of the easiest ways
you can help protect your eye health.
All in the family
Being familiar with your family health
history is important in identifying any
health concerns to be conscious of as
you age. For example, a strong family
history of breast cancer should alert
you and your GP of the increased risk
you carry of developing the disease. A
family history of diabetes, colon cancer
and heart disease can also increase
your risk of developing these diseases.
The good news is there are a few tests
and actions you can take to reduce and
monitor your risk so you stay healthy
well into your forties and beyond.
De-stress
Life in your forties can be stressful.
With the responsibilities of work,
finances, relationships and family
duties often reaching a fever pitch in
your forties, life can get on top of you
quickly. It is important to take time for
yourself – find an enjoyable hobby, stay
in touch with people who are important
to you, eat right and yes we’ll say it
again … exercise! These are all things
you can do to improve your stress
levels and overall mental (and physical)
wellbeing.
FIFTIES
Get cosy with your colon
The risk of developing colon cancer
for both men and women significantly
increases once you reach 50, which is
why your GP is likely to recommend
you have a colonoscopy once you hit
this milestone. Depending on what your
colonoscopy reveals and your other risk
factors, you will likely only need to
repeat this test every few years.
Prostate of affairs
Prostate cancer is the most common
form of cancer diagnosed in Australian
men. One in 38 will be diagnosed
with the disease between the ages of
40 and 60, with more than 3,000 men
dying of the disease in Australia each
year. Often there will be no symptoms
of the disease until the later stages,
which is why regular checks are
important in treatment success and
achieving positive outcomes. Your GP
can perform a simple blood test and
physical exam to check for the disease.
Keep abreast of your breasts
One in eight Australian women will
be diagnosed with breast cancer in
their lifetime and with an average of
eight women dying from the disease
each day, it is important to make
breast checks part of your regular
routine. Women are encouraged to
do self-checks regularly to pick up
any changes as well as undergoing
regular screenings that would show
any abnormalities. In Australia,
BreastScreen offers free mammograms
to women between 50 and 74 years of
age, so get checked! Early detection
saves lives.
SIXTIES AND BEYOND
Exercise your mind
Researchers believe that many of the
brain changes experienced later in life,
such as memory loss, are actually more
lifestyle related than age related. Your
brain is like a muscle and needs to be
exercised regularly to stay in shape.
Being physically active is one of the
best ways to keep your mind active –
gentle exercise such as Tai Chi, water
aerobics or just going for a walk are
great activities for your body and mind.
Other brain boosting activities such as
socialising (conversation is great for
the mind), meditation, doing crossword
puzzles, playing word games, learning
a new language and reading will all
keep your mind in tip top shape.
Get a flu shot
Vaccination is not just for kids; it
is important for older people too,
especially the flu shot. Older people are
at a higher risk of catching the disease
and developing serious complications
as a result, which is why it is important
to protect yourself by getting the flu
vaccine each year. Flu vaccines are
provided free of charge to people aged
65 years and over, and are commonly
available from your regular GP, or even
your local pharmacy.
Nutrition now
As we age it continues to be important
to be aware of our diet and nutrition.
Lifestyle changes, reduction in appetite,
reduced ability for our body to absorb
and store nutrients, along with less
capacity to buy and prepare food can
all take a toll on nutrition in later life.
Poor nutrition can exacerbate some
health issues and even create others, so
make sure every meal is an opportunity
for nutrition by including plenty of
fruit, vegetables, whole grains and
proteins. Frozen and canned fruits
and vegetables along with canned
fish, rolled oats and rice are just a few
examples of foods with a long shelf life
that can still pack a mighty nutritional
punch.
40s 50s
60s +
14 Pindara Magazine 2017