Ep. 165: How to combat frailty
Guest: Dr. John Muscedere, Canadian Frailty Network
Many people still believe frailty is associated with aging.
We used to think it was an inevitable part of growing old. However that is not true – frailty is not a natural part of aging. There is more and more research that demonstrates we can avoid frailty.
As you age, you can make a choice to avoid frailty and keep yourself functioning independently longer by getting informed and participating in your health. Basically, you have two choices: you can work to ensure your body functions optimally, or you can sit back and allow mother time to slowly chip away at your body and your mind.
The challenge, of course, is that sitting back is the antithesis of aging well. Even if you have chronic health conditions, it is possible to exercise, eat well and get involved. In fact, it is the best way to prevent frailty. When you stop moving, stop exercising your body and your brain, stop socializing.... Well, the consequences not only shorten your life – they increase suffering.
There is a tsunami of boomers headed north of 70. I’m one of them. We’re in the pre-frailty stage of our lives.
The good news is we are learning a lot through research on how to identify frailty early and intervene sooner. Some of the leading research on frailty is done here in Canada and what we are learning is changing how doctors practice and what seniors can do to stay well. In order to age well, you need to learn how to avoid frailty.
Dr. John Muscedere of the Canadian Frailty Network is committed to fighting frailty. He joins us this week for a Conversation That Matters on why frailty is the fight of our lives and what we and everyone involved in health care can and need to do about it.
