We Are All Different: Understanding Individualized Aging
Aging is a profoundly personal journey unique to each of us. No two people will experience aging the same way—and that's okay. Some may face significant physical challenges, while others maintain better mobility and independence as they age. The good news is that despite these individual challenges, we are living longer and better lives. The key is understanding that our path through aging is as unique as we are, and how we approach our health should reflect that individuality.
A Personal Journey: From Challenge to Insight
While I don't often talk about my health challenges, my experience with hip dysplasia at the age of 45 has given me a new perspective on the aging process. Like many others, I've had to accept that our bodies don't always function how we want them to, no matter how well we care for them. Preparing mentally and physically for a bilateral hip replacement has been a humbling journey—one of adjustment, acceptance, and redefining what health and mobility mean to me.
Here's my story: I was living my life as usual—running, cycling, climbing, hiking, and traveling. Then, at around 44, I began experiencing intense hip pain while running. Like many doctors, I make a terrible patient. I tried to ignore the pain, hoping it would just go away. It didn't. Eventually, I had to stop running altogether, but that wasn't enough. Soon, I was limping and dealing with constant pain throughout the day—even at night, when I'd be jolted awake by sharp aches if I moved the wrong way. My body was sending clear signals not to ignore the issue any longer, but I stubbornly pushed through. My advice: Listen to your body. Please don't make the same mistake I did.
Later that year, my husband and I traveled to Iceland when I took a hard fall. Looking back, I probably slipped because of my hip instability. The fall was so severe that I ended up damaging four of my front teeth. The next day, when I FaceTimed my sister, she was so horrified by how I looked that she almost threw up. I was at a low point—broken teeth, limping, in constant pain, unable to do the things I loved, and struggling to sleep. In short, I was a hot mess, as we say in the South.
A Shift in Perspective: Finding the Silver Lining
The more I thought about my predicament, the sadder I became. But then, something clicked. I had to step outside myself and look at the situation differently. That's when the laughter started. I realized how lucky I actually was. Sure, the concussion from the fall left me foggy for a few weeks, but I hadn't broken my cheekbones or nose. My beautiful teeth were shattered, but at least I could access excellent dental care to fix them. And as much as my hip hurt, it could eventually be replaced with a new model.
Then, I imagined what life would have been like if I lived in 1924 instead of 2024. I would be a 45-year-old, toothless, limping, likely old grandmother. I wouldn't have had a formal education, as only 7-8% of women went to college then, compared to 60-65% today. My days would have been filled with work that didn't give me joy like being a geriatrician does. I would have no option for hip replacement since the first one wasn't done until 1962, and no chance for dental implants, which weren't available until 1965. In 1924, my life expectancy would have been around 58 to 60 years, compared to today's 80-81, and geriatrics as a specialty didn't even exist until 1988.
Embracing Modern Advancements
The more I reframed my negative thoughts into positive ones, the lighter I felt about my situation. Instead of focusing on everything going wrong, I shifted to what was still right. Yes, things were tough, but I had options. I could make things better.
In just 100 years, we've achieved remarkable advancements that have transformed aging from something to be feared into something to be embraced. Breakthroughs such as the discovery of antibiotics, the development of vaccines, and the advent of minimally invasive surgical techniques have significantly improved our ability to live longer and healthier lives. These innovations have greatly enhanced the quality of life for those with age-related conditions. While we acknowledge that there’s always room for improvement, it’s clear that we are in a much better place today, thanks to these advancements.
Working with What You Have
This experience has taught me that aging isn't about fitting into a mold or meeting someone else's standard—it's about working with the body you have right now. Our health goals as we age should be personalized, realistic, and, most importantly, adaptable to our ever-changing circumstances. This adaptability is key to feeling empowered and in control of our health as we age.
It's crucial to focus on what's within our control and work closely with healthcare providers. They can help us create an individualized plan that supports our unique needs and goals, providing the guidance and support we need to navigate the complexities of aging.
Balancing Natural and Medical Approaches
Embracing what we have also means recognizing the significant advances we've made in medicine. Living in Asheville, NC, I often encounter people who prefer to approach health "naturally," I strongly advocate for natural methods. Lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in preventing and reducing the risk of the top major causes of death in the U.S.: heart disease, cancer, metabolic disease, and dementia. However, sometimes "natural" methods alone aren’t enough for those facing genetic or uncontrollable factors. I’ve worked with patients who maintain incredibly healthy lifestyles—eating well, exercising regularly, and doing all the "right" things—but still require medical interventions to manage risks that lifestyle changes alone can’t address. For instance, one patient came from a family where the men all died of heart disease in their 50s. Despite his commitment to a plant-based diet, supplements, and exercising six days a week, it was the combination of lifestyle changes and proven medical treatments that allowed him to outlive his family history by decades. The medications he used weren’t just a fallback; they were supported by solid evidence, demonstrating their effectiveness in preventing and treating heart disease and other serious conditions.
Success comes when we embrace both approaches—personalizing our medical needs, incorporating holistic measures where possible, and being open to modern medical interventions to live our best lives.
Practical Steps Toward Personalized Aging Goals
Aging well involves working together with your healthcare team to set meaningful and achievable goals tailored to you. Your healthcare provider should be a dedicated advocate, fully invested in your well-being. However, remember that this is a partnership: while they can offer guidance, it’s important for you to take personal responsibility for your health. Here are some tips to help you navigate this collaboration:
Know Your Body's Limits: Accepting and understanding your body's limitations is the first step to setting realistic expectations. Whether adjusting your exercise routine or managing a chronic condition, knowing your boundaries allows you to work within them effectively.
Create Personalized Health Goals: Aging is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person might not work for another. Sit down with your healthcare provider and establish goals that suit your lifestyle, physical condition, and personal priorities.
Adjust Expectations as Needed: Our bodies and lives change. Be open to reassessing and adjusting your health goals as you age. Flexibility in how we define health and success is crucial. Learn more about embracing the aging process and expectations.
Prioritize Mental Health and Resilience: Our mental and emotional outlook dramatically affects our age. Practicing mindfulness, seeking support, and maintaining a positive mindset can help us handle the inevitable changes that come with aging. Learn more about acceptance, adaptability, practicing mindfulness, and resilience.
Reframe with "BUT"
As we embrace personalized approaches to aging and navigate our unique challenges, how we frame our thoughts can significantly shape our experiences. One powerful yet simple tool for this is the word "BUT."
I encourage you to use "BUT" to reframe challenges and move forward. Life may not always go as planned, but how we choose to view these situations can make all the difference. The word "BUT" allows us to shift our focus from what's wrong to what's possible. For instance, you might think, "My teeth are broken, BUT they can be fixed." Or, "I need to downsize and move because of aging, BUT this presents an opportunity to meet my personalized needs and explore new experiences." Perhaps you're considering, "My balance isn't what it used to be, BUT I have support and tools to help."
Using "BUT" to alter our perspective, this simple technique can open doors to solutions, hope, and progress rather than keeping us stuck on what's wrong.
Check out more blog posts on www.GeriAcademy.com.
And just for fun -
A Summary of 100 Years of Medical Advancements: Celebrating Progress!
Improved Pharmaceuticals:
Cardiovascular Drugs: Medications such as statins, antihypertensives, and anticoagulants have improved the management of cardiovascular diseases, which are prevalent in older adults.
Cognitive Enhancers: Drugs like donepezil and memantine have been developed to help manage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Vaccines:
Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccines: These have significantly reduced the incidence of severe respiratory infections in older adults, who are more vulnerable to these diseases.
Advances in Diagnostics:
Imaging Techniques: Innovations like MRI and PET scans have improved the diagnosis and management of age-related conditions such as strokes, tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Genetic Testing: Advances in genetic testing have helped in understanding and predicting age-related diseases and personalized medicine approaches.
Better Management of Chronic Diseases:
Diabetes Management: Improved medications and glucose monitoring systems have enhanced diabetes management, a common condition in older adults.
Hypertension Control: Advances in antihypertensive medications and treatment strategies have better-controlled blood pressure in older populations.
Orthopedic and Surgical Advances:
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Techniques such as laparoscopic surgery have reduced recovery times and surgical risks for older adults.
Joint Replacements: Advances in orthopedic surgery have improved outcomes for hip and knee replacements, enhancing mobility and quality of life.
Personalized Medicine:
Tailored Treatments: The rise of personalized medicine, including pharmacogenomics, allows treatments to be tailored to the individual's genetic profile, improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
Telemedicine:
Remote Care: Telemedicine has expanded access to healthcare, allowing older adults to receive consultations and follow-ups from home, which is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or living in remote areas.
Nutritional Science:
Understanding of Nutritional Needs: A better understanding of the nutritional needs and dietary interventions for older adults has improved their overall health and quality of life.
Geriatric Assessment Tools:
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment: Tools and methods for comprehensive assessments of older adults have improved the management of multiple health conditions and functional status.
Social and Psychological Support:
Enhanced Focus on Mental Health: Recognition of the importance of mental health in aging has led to better support systems and treatments for conditions like depression and anxiety in older adults.
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