Prevention of Later Aging

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is ‘a state of full physical, emotional and social well being and not just the absence of sickness and disease.’ Different definitions have been applied to the concept of health over time. Today it is often used in contexts that include the prevention and treatment of serious health problems. A good definition should be comprehensive enough to identify what is needed to maintain a healthy life. It also needs to be flexible enough to take into account the changing trends in health. For instance, while prevention methods are useful today, they may not be as effective in the future.

Prevention is a broad term that includes strategies to reduce the occurrence or spread of disease. While this is an important part of any health policy, good health policy is rarely just a prevention policy. Most of the time, health programs focus on illness, identifying and treating those diseases, and preventing the secondary problems that arise from those illnesses. When it comes to diseases and their prevention, older adults are at a disadvantage.

Older adults have greater physical demands than younger people. Because of this, they are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases like cancer, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other serious medical conditions. The failure to treat these diseases in a timely manner can lead to disability and death. Older adults need to focus on their mental health as well. Older adults can benefit from the same kinds of screenings and counseling offered for other populations.

Unfortunately, many older adults suffer from mild or undetected mental illness that contributes to poor health and a lack of well-being. One example is depression. Depression not only affects a person’s physical health but can affect his or her mental health as well.

In order to improve their physical health and prevent the development of diseases like cancer and osteoporosis, older adults should get regular physical fitness exercise. Exercise lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system, and increases the strength of the bones. This is one of the best ways to prevent the development of psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.

The mental health of an individual can also be improved by proper diet and nutrition. A good diet is important not only for physical health but for mental health as well. It is known that physical well-being influences the functioning of other systems in the body including the cardiovascular system and the immune system. A healthy diet promotes the development of physical well-being through the promotion of weight control, promotes nutrient absorption, and provides the energy to do daily activities. It is also helpful in controlling hunger, improving memory and concentration, and improving moods.