Doctor’s Diary November 13, 2018: Frailty

(Snippets from the frontline)

Frailty

At some point in life we begin to age.  Individually, this depends on genetics, environment, social status, and personal health habits.

Toward the end of life we face frailty:  Moving slower, fatiguing easier, losing weight, stooping, becoming incontinent, having faulty memory, and falling.  One is more vulnerable to mental and physical stressors, and quality of life suffers.

Many though still feel their existence is viable.  Why?  Because they have family, friends, purpose, and hope.

What can be done as we face frailty?

Exercise daily;

Stay hydrated;

Don’t fall;

Fortify with nutritional supplements including protein drinks and vitamins;

Monitor blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level, and weight daily in a notebook;

Keep your mind active doing crosswords, sudoku, using a computer;

Interact with friends socially, including those of the younger generation to stay “hip”;

Monitor medication regimens, and routinely visit your doctor;

Minimize mental stress;

Adapt, especially to negative experiences;

Love someone, or a pet;

Have hobbies like gardening, knitting, reading;

Learn new things like using apps on a cell phone;

Tell your life story, and share with others life lessons;

Don’t harbor grudges, animosity, or negative feelings;

Smile.

Frailty is a part of life, but life can still be lived.

Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.