As the baby boomer population ages and life expectancy increases, many Americans are not satisfied with aging in an old fashioned way. They want to still be able to enjoy athletic activities like hiking, tennis, or golf or they may want to still be able to travel widely and enjoy time with friends and family. Many especially want to be healthier and more fit than was expected for older people in the past. Fortunately, medicine has recognized this and great strides have been made in age management.
Age management typically treats the symptoms of aging caused by falling levels of certain hormones in our bodies as we get older. Both men and women experience flagging energy, a decrease in the ability to focus and concentrate, a decline in libido, and often, weight gain. Many people also begin to experience many more aches and pains. Loss of muscle and bone mass (osteoporosis) are also common and can be dangerous to those who experience it.
In the past, we were expected to grow old gracefully and quietly but with advances in age management, you can still be vital and enjoy the second half of your life. One of the most important things to do is to find a physician who specializes in age management. A full battery of tests should be given to check bone and muscle loss, vitamin deficiencies, and decreased hormone levels. This will help the doctor determine what supplements and/or medications will work best for you. Age management is unique to each individual and it is often a lifestyle change as well. It can involve exercise and healthier eating and should not rely on medication alone. Again, you need to work with a physician who fully understands age management.
Treatments can include testosterone, bio identical hormones, or Human Growth Hormone. Unfortunately some of these have gotten a bad rap due to abuse by athletes but when used under a doctor’s care, they are safe. Your physician will carefully monitor you to ensure that the correct medication is used as well as the correct amount.
In men, hormone replacement therapy with testosterone has helped with many age related diseases like heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis, fractures, diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, dementia, and depression. For women, hormone therapy with bio-identical hormones has been used to treat the symptoms of menopause. These include sleeplessness, irritability, depression, lack of energy, lack of concentration, and weight gain. For both sexes, Human Growth Hormone has been used to treat muscles aches and pain, lethargy, chronic pain, and joint stiffness.
So, if you have had any of these complaints as you’ve gotten older and maybe you’ve been dismissed by your doctor with the words, “that’s just part of getting older”, you may want to visit a physician who is knowledgeable in age management. We do have to get older, but don’t have to live with the symptoms of getting older!