AGING WELL

AGING WELL

 I am 67 years old. I'm from Borredà and live in Barcelona. I am head of the Department of internal medicine of the Vall D'hebron University hospital and Professor of medicine at the UAB. I'm married and have two children and four grandchildren. I am a liberal-friendly. I need to believe.

Doctor Vilardell speaks from his 40 years of practice of medicine with relentless vocation. Tomorrow concludes its Presidency of the Col·legi de Metges de Barcelona, after four hard years of management and against measures of health cuts. Still deploying his medical vocation and its teaching and dissemination, work through books such as aging well (platform). Speaks calmly, gives wise advice and quote me the motto of a physician friend, Jordi Gol, about what is to be healthy: "Be independent, cheerful and supportive". I think the wonderful thing is that it does not hurt anything, and that it's kept thus until the end. Vilardell councils help.

At what age do we die? At the age of 82 women, at the age of 79 men. It is to reach that end without relying on others.  Without disturbing. That is being generous! Take care of yourself and prepare for do not disturb others. "Aging well who has lived well", said Pythagoras.  And you live well if you think about others.  What is aging? Go losing capacities, but while you can assert you... age well!  As I get older well.

It is normal aging: vas adapting yourself to gradual loss. The undesirable is the pathological aging!  What is a pathological aging? A premature aging that leads you to the unit.  Is it very frequent? Occurs in 12% of the over 65s: public resource-intensive.  What causes this premature aging? A disease accelerated... or that this person has not well taken care. And this depends on each one, it is perfectly avoidable!  Not so much if I'm poor... It is true that economic power and a good public health system palliated premature aging. But there are many other things you can do!

I hear you. Get exercise. It eats everything, regular hours and sparingly. Avoid being overweight. Sleep seven hours. Do not smoke or intoxiques you. Keep blood pressure between 8 and 12. Keep cholesterol low...  Physiological factors. And psychological: there are circumstances that can age you much, as the death of a loved one, unemployment... any advice regarding this? Try to always keep an active and positive attitude. Smile, laugh. A don't laughed day is a lost day!  Another tip. Cultivate your friendships. Build your own social network. Will you support when you grow. This is critical!  Why?

Because loneliness is the worst Companion: absorbs, sad, depressed, produces cognitive erosion... you ages!  Have friends rejuvenate, maybe? Yes. And also always have a project: studying something, practice a sport... Collaborate in a joint activity.  You age better if you are a charity? Yes, because that leads to inner peace, calms the mind, you feel well closely. It is well to the people in your environment, be nice! A bad face does not solve anything.  Why is Diogenes syndrome given among elderly? They accumulate as if they were thus to live longer. The lesson is that there is only the present: live today! With the lightweight backpack.  With few things? Yes, and in a space simple, airy, bright, cheerful, comfortable. Not refilled.

How do you play love and sex in old age? Love is indispensable: allows you to live more intensely. Matter complicity in the couple, the tenderness, and touching...! Sex can be expressed in a caress, Kiss...  Cite a danger on the lookout for the elderly.  A fall. The old drag toes..., and there is the carpet. Out carpets! And slopes, stairs, bathtubs. Floor-level shower tray.  Why is the fall so dangerous? At these ages, a femur break operation involves risk of hospital, urinary, respiratory, infection fever... and entering the cascade of dependence.  Prevent falls, maybe. Comfortable footwear. When you get up, do it slowly to avoid pressure changes and dizziness. And handles in the bathroom.  Retirement ages? Only if you expect recognition, rewards, visibility: must be eligible for the network of friends. And not feel a hindrance or fall into the "Butler syndrome".  Explained. Don't let nobody make you your efforts: preserving your autonomy! You live in your own space, and estorbarás. And suffer: that ages. As much as you want and you worship... try to take care you.  Some are depressed to see his physical decline. Worry too much external appearance is fruitless: the best is to ensure the Interior, an active and positive spirit. 

How you prepare your old age? I'm clearing everything that can get me stressed and wonder: "What I want to do?".

And what answer? Continue to receive patients and help others with my experience.  Summarize how to age well. Take care of their own health, spoils the network of friends, be optimistic, know solidarity, respects the environment people. And leave it all planned for your final: ceremony, burial and Testament. It is selfish to leave that to those who remain. That no one should get stressed out by your cause is the maximum generosity!

Miquel  Vilardell. (Doctor)