Health Questions Every 60-Year-Old Should Ask

It was six decades ago that America heard the "boom" that would change the world forever. But baby boomers aren't babies anymore and this year 3.4 million of them will become 60-year-olds.

Baby boomers have always set themselves apart from previous generations and appear poised to do the same again as they enter their "golden years." However, baby boomers wanting to maintain their active lifestyles will need to do a little self assessment, said Margaret-Mary Wilson, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine and geriatrics at Saint Louis University and a SLUCare physician.

"Boomers have never accepted things without questioning," she says. "There's no reason why they should accept health problems as a natural consequence of aging."

Wilson said the trick is to stay ahead of aging. Staying healthy is easier than trying to recover from an illness or injury, she said.

"You work all your lives so you can enjoy your retirement. To do that, health and vitality are important," Wilson said. "If you come to us for medical care when you're healthy, we can help you get to a very healthy and vibrant old age."

Wilson said there are six questions that everyone pushing the sixth decade should ask his or her physician to reveal hidden health problems.

#1. What are the chances that I would break my hip if I fell?

Wilson said hip fractures are the most serious consequence of osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones brittle, thin and easily broken.

"We hit our peak bone mass when we're 30. By the time we get to 60, our chances of having osteoporosis are pretty significant," she said.

Breaking a hip can be life altering, if not life ending. Wilson said nearly 25 percent of older adults who suffer hip fractures are dead within a year.

You can have a bone density test to check the thickness of your bones. Exercise, calcium supplements, good nutrition and medication can increase the thickness of bones to make them stronger and less likely to break.

#2. Is it normal that I'm making more trips to the bathroom than I used to?
Urinary urgency - the feeling that you frequently have to rush to the bathroom - is a common concern among older adults, and one that usually increases as person passes through their 40s and 50s.

"The fear with that is that it may get worse," Wilson said. "A lot of patients have the warning signs, but are not aware that if they start early enough with treatment, they can prevent urinary incontinence from happening."

#3. Should my sex drive be what it was 20 years ago?

In addition to the effect it can have on relationships, the loss of libido can be a sign of more serious health problems, Wilson said.

Men might not be as interested in sex because of erectile dysfunction or low levels of the hormone testosterone. Both men and women might have diabetes, depression or a thyroid disorder. Loss of interest in sex also can be side effect to several medications.

"The bottom line is it's worth it to ask questions. Some of the causes are fixable," Wilson said. "People shouldn't resign themselves to the myth that as they age, everything falls apart."

#4. I keep misplacing my keys. Should I be worried?

Occasionally misplacing items is probably not something to worry about, Wilson said, particularly if you eventually remember where you put them. However, it is worth mentioning to your doctor.

"A lot of people don't address it and live in fear," Wilson said. "If it is something that needs medical attention, it's much better to find the causes early to prevent permanent damage."

As we get older, our brain doesn't access information as quickly as it used to. Eventually, though, most of us remember. While the time delay is annoying, it doesn't mean we're in the early stages of dementia. Thyroid disorder, vitamin deficiencies and depression can cause problems with short-term memory.

"And even if it is dementia, 10 percent of the cases may be reversible with early diagnosis," Wilson said.

#5. What's the best way for me to lose weight?

While it might seem strange to some, Wilson said it's actually not the best idea for baby boomers to lose weight, particularly through restrictive fad diets.

"Weight loss in older adults - even intentional weight loss - can make them frail, which can be deadly," she said. "A better approach is to exercise, which builds muscles, strengthens your bones and increases your energy level."

Wilson suggested that those interested in becoming more physically fit work with their doctor to develop an exercise regimen.
"That way you'll be more likely to stick with a plan," she said.

#6. Should I be concerned that I'm having problems concentrating?

It's worth checking out because concentration problems could be a side effect of medication, a symptom of thyroid disease, emotional overload from caring for an aging parent or a sign of depression, Wilson says.

A primary care physician can do a simple screening for depression in two minutes. "A lot of people will never bring up the fact that they feel depressed because they don't feel it's a disease," she said. "It's unfortunate because treatment can relieve their suffering."