Old age should not be a pain

By Vicky Wandawa

Old age is not a disease. However, the way we live our lives before then, is a determining factor on whether or not we shall consider it a disease.

As we age, we are prone to diseases, which on the whole require prevention right from when one’s mother gets pregnant.

Margaret Mungherera, the president of the Uganda Medical Association points out, “A pregnant woman should lead a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet, ensuring that they have enough blood, attend antenatal clinics and above all have access to information about her health, regarding what she needs to do to have a normal pregnancy and baby.”

She emphasises that a healthy mother means a healthy baby.

Similarly, Vincent Karuhanga, a general practitioner with Friends Polyclinic emphasises good health for a mother.

“A woman who smokes or takes alcohol risks the baby’s health later in life as they can develop conditions, such as cancer and diabetes much later on in life.”

Besides good health of a pregnant woman and good feeding for the baby, Karuhanga warns that the way one lives their life in their 20s and 30s determines the state of their condition during old age.

Take for example, in order for one to retain as many teeth as possible during old age, good dental habits must begin during childhood.

The doctor cites not doing exercises, smoking and poor diet as some of the leading causes of troublesome health during old age.

There are a number of conditions that may develop and are likely to develop during old age. The doctor points out some of them and how they can be dealt with;

Sight, hearing problems

Karuhanga notes that one can maintain their sight and hearing with vitamin A foods such as dark green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes and lettuce.

Brain atrophy

This has to do with emotional and memory intelligence (cognitive problems). Chances of developing cognitive problems can be reduced by controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and dealing with high cholesterol levels.

Kidney disease

This usually occurs after one has developed conditions such as gout, hypertension and diabetes, which conditions, can all be controlled by doing exercises, diet, checkups and treatment.

Prostate cancer

Lycopene, which is found in water melon and tomatoes are efficient in reducing the chances of developing prostate cancer.

Other Cancers

“The body has an immune surveillance system, which looks out for abnormal cell growths and destroys them,” Karuhanga explains.

 However, as one grows older the system deteriorates and is worsened when they are exposed to cancer causing substances such as tobacco. Karuhanga also warns that long use of fat and leading a sedentary lifestyle could lead to prostate cancer, breast cancer, colo-rectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, among other conditions. Cumulative exposure to pollutants can also lead to lung cancer.

Osteoarthritis

It involves degenerative joint diseases. However, when one controls their weight and maintains a healthy diet especially containing glucosamine for example offals, which are known to protect joint surfaces, and in turn, chances of developing osteoarthritis are made slim.

Diabetes

Although it is genetic, eating healthy with controlled amounts of sugar and avoiding a sedentary life will keep the condition at bay. Keep active, have a schedule for exercises.

Stroke

Karuhanga explains that as one grows older, their veins become coarse. “As a result, 85% of all strokes are due to blood clots, while the rest are a result of bursting of weak blood vessel in the brain.”

He advises that controlling weight and diabetes limit chance of developing a stroke.

Heart disease

A normal adult’s heart beat 72 times per minute while in resting mode. However, with age, the heart grows weary. Controlling high blood pressure, diabetes and weight, reduce the chances of developing heart disease.

Constipation

Constipation is common among elderly people. However, a gradual increase in fibre providing foods such as fruit and vegetables and plenty of fluids reduce chances of constipation.

Teeth problems

With time, recession of the gum exposes the teeth, making them sensitive. However, a balanced diet, dental hygiene and check-up at least every two years reduces problems to do with the teeth.