There is much talk and even more hand-wringing about the ageing population. It is taken as a given that demands for a variety of health and aged care services will increase. This is likely, but is it inevitable? Our belief that age must be accompanied by poor health and an inability to function may be misplaced.
The late Queen was in good health till the last few days of her life and passed away peacefully in her own home. That she had access to the best medical care does not totally explain this. Genetics plays a part, yet her sister died aged 71. The component most overlooked though is how people look after themselves.
Surveys of centenarians consistently show a similar theme. People who live a healthy long life tend to eat sensibly, not be significantly overweight, are physically active and have good social connections. Add to that, not drinking excessive alcohol and not smoking and we have a formula.
Populations in Japan and Sardinia with the longest life expectancies largely adhere to the ‘successful formula’. We also know that a car which is well maintained will be in better condition for longer. The human body is more forgiving than a car, but ultimately the same principal applies.
In medicine, we typically look for a better ambulance at the base of the cliff rather than a better fence at the top of it (the two are not mutually exclusive).
In September, I saw Kiss on their farewell tour. Founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are in their 70s. Stanley did a ‘fly over’ the audience and while not as athletic as Pink, did well for a guy with an artificial hip. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, both 80 next year, are still touring. The latter has not led the most abstemious life.
In medicine, we typically look for a better ambulance at the base of the cliff rather than a better fence at the top of it (the two are not mutually exclusive). We tend to dismiss those who age well as ‘lucky’ rather than express more curiosity as to why they may do so.
Through COVID, nobody sought to ask older people whether they wanted to not hug their family. Nobody asked them about whether quality of life mattered. Nobody asked them what their priorities were. Going forward, if we are genuinely interested in the wellbeing of the older population – their opinions and values must be sought.
Life has no guarantees, and the best fence can be scaled. Ageing rockers and the late Queen enable us to reflect on what is possible and why that may be the case.