Geriatric Care

What is geriatric care?

With ever-increasing life expectancy rates around the world, the medical community has kept pace with the problems and issues that face an aging population through specialized geriatric care. Diseases and conditions that were largely considered fatal in the past are now being addressed through medical advances, nudging survival rates ever higher.

In addition, new studies and research are frequently released as the medical field seeks to better understand the effects that aging has on the body. From preventive care to new treatments and diagnoses, doctors around the world continue to explore effective treatments and solutions that address quality-of-life issues among the elderly.

Geriatric care is not just for the aging population. The team at Jeff Toll, MD, considers the whole family when treating the elderly. Understanding that the level of care required for patients in their senior years can affect the entire family, they work toward finding solutions for everyone involved.

What happens when we age?

As the body ages, many systems start to slow down or change, requiring a higher level of care and vigilance. The areas most affected are:

Cardiovascular system

With advancing years, the heart begins to slow down and, in some cases, becomes enlarged. The circulatory systems in the elderly are also prone to clogging and stiffening, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to different parts of the body, leading to blood pressure issues.

Bone, joint, muscle, and tissue

Bone density in aging adults tends to decrease, leaving bones not only shorter, but more brittle, especially among women. Joints, muscle, and tissues become less pliable and weaker, leading to less flexibility and mobility.

Mental health

Memory loss is the biggest complaint among aging adults. Thanks to deterioration of the brain’s functions, decreased blood flow, and reduced hormones and proteins, the ability to recall can become impaired.

Senses

Problems with eyesight and hearing are common side effects of aging.

How can we “fight aging?”

One of the greatest discoveries in the scientific study of aging is the host of things we can do to prevent aging from deteriorating our quality of life. Simple changes in these areas can have a great impact on keeping you active and healthy into your golden years. A few strategies you can use to fight aging and increase vitality include:

• Exercise and movement -- moderate levels of exercise help maintain heart health and prevent weight problems
• Nutrition and supplements -- as we age, we need to pay more attention to what we eat  to support heart health and replenish deficiencies in our bodies
• Lifestyle changes -- getting the proper amount of sleep each night (between seven and eight hours) allows your body to heal and repair itself
• Regular medical care -- early detection and treatment are keys to longevity
• Cognitive exercises -- the brain is a muscle, too, and should be exercised

The team at Jeff Toll, MD, can provide recommendations that will help you continue to lead an active lifestyle. For compassionate geriatric care in Los Angeles, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.