SJ responds to readers’ concerns in the Ponsonby News Healthy Living column.

SARAH–JANE ATTIAS: HEALTHY LIVING

Q: I’ve noticed my mum at 69 is looking a little ‘lackluster’. Her walk has become more ‘rolling’; She then had a fall, resulting in grazes and a nasty bump on her forehead; Her confidence has waned. I’m starting to worry, what do you advise?

A: You are right to be alert, getting the right treatment at the right time is critical to your mum’s sustained recovery. There are ‘accident-prone’ phases in our lifetime – statistically 1 in 3 seniors will fall and due to a reduction in bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis, fractures are common.

At Living Osteopathy we treat many 100’s of senior clients. I’d like to share some insights – what works and how to attain optimum results, as my dear mum says “growing old isn’t for the faint hearted”.

Moving into ‘the third age’ is about maintaining as much ‘juice’ in your tissues and around your joints as possible. Working with muscles that are shorter and weaker, joints that are not as mobile, ligaments that are not as stable – what I say to my patients “it’s not the end of the road – it’s just a different road’.

There is plenty of proof that age is a mindset – look at French President Macron 39, married to his long-time love Brigitte, aged 64. Or my good friend, local personality and human dynamo, Peta Mathias, 68 – trust me her schedule would take your breath away!

At the clinic we say ‘work with it while you have it’ as an Osteopath I’m well qualified to create an exercise plan and show safe ways to perform specific exercises that are tailored to your needs. This individual plan is the secret to achieving what’s right for you. These may include pelvic floor – an area that needs stability and control as we age. Many ‘exercises’ can be easily woven around daily activities even seated for ease and not ‘too much fuss’ The aim is to grow old gracefully in a controlled manner.

Statistically, treatment and a tailored exercise plan has proven to greatly reduce loss of muscle mass and keeps all life-giving fluids: blood, lymphatic and cerebrospinal fluid pumping. Imagine your body is filled with tubes like hoses, and the intention for your good health is to keep all those hoses clear and flowing well, no kinks, no blockages.

I suggest that clients walk and sit ‘tall’, to reduce the kinks. Walk with a specific focus of looking ahead not at the floor and arm and leg coordination. This all sounds simple but it has to be learnt and applied correctly to you as an individual.

Many older clients are on medication, some symptoms such as dizziness can be a side effect, part of my initial assessment is to evaluate medications, so clients have reasonable expectations, relating to their pain management, exercise and osteopathic treatment results. It’s a big picture and I aim to make that picture clear and actions do-able.

Find a practitioner who will go the extra distance – for instance I do home and hospital visits. I have a referral network of friendly professionals that I recommend.

During home visits I always check that trip hazards are reduced, lighting improved, correctly positioned handrails and grab bars in bathrooms. Everyday activities, running errands, bathing, cooking can all become hazardous, work stations must be evaluated and improved, obstacles removed.

I am currently treating an elderly lady at her home, she has suffered a fall in a lift, (very common) fractured her rib and generally jolted her body. The pain literally took her breath away. Following her first osteopathic treatment, she had the best nights sleep and was feeling much better. The tension around the rib was reduced and the anticipation of pain was more manageable.

I observed that it is was harder for her to get out and about. I recommended a Podiatrist to visit. Her family arranged a professional care helper, Driving Miss Daisy they are excellent with showering, shopping and companionship. It’s important to nominate someone to coordinate all visits. These are all the little things that can become to hard to deal with if you are tired and in pain.

Look for inspiration; take the Chinese for example; millions of elderly people pour into the parks for their daily Tai Chi, social catch-up, smoky green tea and Mahjong – stimulating stuff indeed. I stress the importance of continued social events big and small, being part of our community is the spice of life.

We invite Ponsonby News readers to ring Living Osteopathy on T: 09 361 1147, to discuss how we can assist any ageing friends or relatives.

(SARAH-JANE ATTIAS)