Good Health In Later Life For Older Women With The AGS Foundation For Health In Aging's New Health Tip Sheet

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 02 Sep 2009 - 10:00 PDT

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American women are more likely to live longer than men. Although they have a life expectancy of 80 years, compared with about 75 years for men, older women often have worse health and are more likely to have ongoing health conditions like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and arthritis than older men. In addition to experiencing multiple health problems, older women also commonly suffer from memory problems and have more trouble than older men dressing, walking or bathing without help.

To help older women stay as healthy as possible, the AGS' FHA has published "For Older Women: Tips for Good Health in Later Life"

"Older women tend to have more difficulties than older men as they age," says President-Elect, Sharon A. Brangman, MD, AGSF, Professor and Division Chief of Geriatric Medicine and Director of the Central NY Alzheimer's Disease Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University. "Multiple chronic health conditions combined with challenges with daily activities make it harder for older women as they get older."

The tip sheet offers advice, tailored to the needs of older women, on taking medications safely, eating well, and exercising safely in later life. It includes information about recommended screening tests - such as bone density, cholesterol, mammogram, and colorectal cancer screening, among others - and vaccinations for older women. The tips explain how older women can lower their risk of falls and quit smoking.

Source
American Geriatrics Society