This time of life can see many transformations. There are some obvious changes, such as menopause for women, which on average starts between the ages of 48 and 53. There is evidence to suggest that men go through a similar stage in ’male menopause’, possibly caused by a decrease in testosterone levels. There can be a myriad of changes to the body and mind associated with aging, however we can certainly be strong, fit and mentally sharp at this time. Some people find that their memory isn’t what it used to be. Generally we find that the capacity is the same, but recall takes longer. Anxiety and depression can also affect the memory, and it is important that this is not overlooked as a possible cause.
Thankfully, societal taboos relating to what is expected as people age, have relaxed and being in the sixth decade does not have to have any bearing on acceptable levels of physical, sexual or intellectual activity. Children may have left home, which can provide a welcome amount of freedom for parents to pursue their own interests. As with previous decades, stress can always take its toll, with continuing pressures from work, but as the years pass, a degree of self-knowledge and self-acceptance emerges to help us know when to take time out for relaxation and recuperation.
Prostate problems
The prostate is a small walnut-sized gland that causes many men a lot of concern and discomfort. There are three main things that can go wrong with the prostate, which sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). They are:
- Prostatitis – an infection of the prostate
- Prostate cancer
- Benign Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate
Of these, BPH is by far the most common, affecting around 50 per cent of men over the age of 50, and 80 per cent of men over the age of eighty. It generally causes urinary symptoms, including increased frequency and urgency. A herb called Saw palmetto is a very effective natural remedy for reducing these uncomfortable symptoms. It is however, vital to obtain a definite diagnosis of BPH from your doctor, as the symptoms can be similar to those for prostate cancer.
Menopause & Phytoestrogens
Menopause can often feel like a time of great change for women. While we are bombarded with information about the negative aspects of menopause – debilitating hot flushes, anxiety, increasing risks of cardiovascular disease and so on, it can be a very positive time. On a physical level, it signals the end of the reproductive years, with no more periods with their associated pain and discomfort, and no more concerns about contraception. On another level, post-menopausal women have been traditionally looked upon as holders of wisdom in society.
To support the body during this time of change, herbs containing substances known as phytoestrogens can be useful. They have a similar action on the body to the hormone oestrogen, although far weaker, and can reduce menopause-related symptoms for many women. The most well known phytoestrogen containing plant is soy.
Bone Health
An important consideration at this time is bone health. Osteoporosis is a condition of poor mineral density in the bones leading to an increased risk of suffering from fractures. The two main causes of osteoporosis are inadequate build-up of bone mass during growth and rapid loss of bone mass with aging. For women, the hormone oestrogen helps the deposition of calcium into the bones. The reduction in circulating oestrogen levels associated with menopause can cause an increase in the loss of minerals, including calcium, from the bone. Men can suffer from reduced bone density too, although they tend to suffer problems later in life than women. Although genetic factors play an important role, it is possible to increase peak bone mass and reduce bone loss with lifestyle changes. Adequate calcium intake and exercise are important in achieving a higher level of bone mass during growth, and minimising bone loss at a later stage. Taking a calcium supplement, which contains other synergistic nutrients to increase the uptake and utilisation of calcium, is a wise precaution to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in the future.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been recommended by many doctors to slow the loss of calcium from the bones, as well as to reduce the severity of acute menopausal symptoms. However, questions about the safety of HRT have brought its role into debate.
Diabetes
Diabetes is an increasingly common condition that can have serious consequences for health. It occurs when the body produces little or no insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose. This means that diabetics have problems regulating their blood glucose levels, which can become too high if left untreated.
- Type1 diabetes generally occurs in childhood to those with a genetic predisposition
- Type 2 diabetes occurs later in life and can be due to genetic and environmental factors, such as body weight, diet and level of physical activity. It is by far the most common type of diabetes
Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and can also cause damage to the nervous system, eyes and kidneys. The incidence of diabetes increases with age, with around 16 per cent of men and 10 per cent of women in their fifties suffering from diabetes. These figures increase in the next decades.
While there is a genetic predisposition to suffer from diabetes, type 2 diabetes is generally considered to be a preventable condition for most people. It can often be managed with dietary and lifestyle choices such as maintaining appropriate weight, exercising, and avoiding those foods with a high glycaemic index and alcohol in the diet.
Cardiovascular health
The health of the heart and blood vessels becomes increasingly important as we get older due to the fact that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia and the Western world. Nutrients to protect our heart and blood vessels can be taken on an ongoing basis to provide some protection. Good choices include CoQ10, which helps to protect blood vessel walls from damage, and fish oil, which increases the health and elasticity of blood vessels.
Antioxidants & aging
Antioxidants are particularly valuable nutrients that can reduce the negative effects of free radicals on our bodies. Free radicals are highly reactive substances capable of destroying cell membranes, tissues and organs. Free radical activity has been implicated in the development of serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and cataracts. It is thought that the processes of aging are in some way linked to the activity of free radicals on the body.
We normally produce some free radicals in the body, in fact small amounts are beneficial, however increased levels of free radicals are produced with excessive sun exposure, high levels of stress and exposure to environmental pollutants such as car exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke. Antioxidants may be considered as maintenance nutrients to reduce some of the negative effects of free radicals, and may be useful in preventing major diseases. Antioxidant nutrients work together synergistically therefore antioxidant formulations containing several nutrients are often preferable. Blackmores Bio ACE excel contains a range of antioxidant vitamins, minerals and herbs to provide the body with a boost of these protective nutrients.
References
- Australia’s Health 2002. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Savidge G, et al. Agefit, fitness and nutrition for an independent future. Sydney: Pan Macmillan, 2001.
- Haas EM. Staying healthy with nutrition. Berkley, California: Celestial Arts, 1992
- Hutton, D. Vogue futures. London: Condé Nast Publications, 1994.
- Margo J. Man Maintenance. Ringwood, Victoria: Penguin Books, 2001
