SEXUAL HEALTHAlthough couples are less likely to have sex as they get older, those who continue to have a physical relationship are also in better overall health than those who don't. One survey, carried out in 2007 by researcher
s at the University of Chicago, found that three-quarters of those aged 57 to 64 were still having sex, as were more than half of those aged 64 to 75 and over a quarter of those aged 75 to 85.
Sexual problems are common in around half of older people but few report these to their doctor.
ALCOHOLWomen over the age of 65 are drinking far less than those at any other age – just two units a week on average. A small glass of red wine a day is thought to have health benefits.
DIET AND EXERCISEHip replacements and heart procedures such as angioplasty are keeping many over-65s active. Elderly people suffer immobility and failing health but keeping as active as possible will help. At this age chair exercises are recommended to keep the joints moving without putting too much strain on them.
GROOMINGTo keep hair looking healthy, stay clear of old-fashioned styles and colours and go one or two shades lighter than your natural colour to keep your appearance youthful.
HEALTHOld age brings failing health, which will manifest itself in a number of ways, from a reduction in the ability to smell and taste, to weak bones.
You may find your eyesight deteriorating too. Cataracts can develop at any age, but most commonly as people get older. Smoking and exposure to ultraviolet radiation make them more likely to develop. Men and women are affected equally, and in the UK it's estimated about one in three people over 65 has a cataract.
If you took out that private health insurance plan in your younger years, don't be tempted to give it up to avoid high premiums as you age – keep paying them in case you need surgery and face a long waiting list.
GP Gary Hamilton believes the most important thing to consider at this age is power of attorney, which will enable next of kin to make decisions if you are not able to do so yourself.
MENTAL HEALTHBecause they have more social and family activities, women are better at coping with retirement than men, but they are often depressed. The major emotional problems at this life stage are coping with the loss of a partner, losing health and vitality and feeling isolated. Talking these issues through with trained professionals such as your GP or a counsellor can help if you feel you do not want to burden your children with these worries.
Hormone changes can lead to alterations in your sleeping habits, including difficulty dropping off, more night waking, waking up early and needing more daytime naps. "There's a lot of pain, slowing down and frustration that comes with old age," says Dr Hamilton. "But women in the top two social groups have a life expectancy of 85 years. What they should be worrying about is having a good time."
Action plan: 65+Arm curls
You will need a resistance band or small dumbbells for this exercise. Stand tall with your legs hip-width apart and your knees very slightly bent. Keeping your upper body tall and in a good posture, pretend you're a cowboy about to draw your pistols. Keep your elbows back and in this position as you curl your hands up to just below your shoulders. Lower the weights or resistance band back down to the start position. This can be done with a light weight on a daily basis. Complete up to 30 arm curls while maintaining good posture.
CASE STUDYSenga Imrie, 71
People often tell Senga Imrie she looks ten years younger than she is. But her anti-ageing tip is simple: if you want to stay young, you must keep active. "You can't just sit in your house feeling lonely or you'll go downhill pretty fast," she says. "You've only got one life to live. Don't worry about things – just get out there and enjoy yourself."
Imrie's social diary rivals that of some teenagers. She is secretary of her local bowling club and the Wednesday Club, a pensioners' social group. She also attends fiddle and accordion clubs, and has nights out practising her Scottish country dancing. To top it all, she takes care of catering commitments for her bowling club and plans to go to Germany this year to perform with her accordion and fiddle group.
Imrie, who is separated and lives in Fife, doesn't own a car, so she keeps active by walking. "I'm very lucky as I've always had really good health so I'm able to keep busy," she says. "I've never done anything differently."
She eats a balanced diet – cereal with fruit in the morning, sandwiches on brown bread at midday and vegetables with chicken or fish for dinner. "I'm not a believer in fast food," she says.
She doesn't smoke or drink often, but will have a few vodkas when out with friends. "I'm having a fantastic time. I'm very busy, but I'm not stressed because I'm doing things I enjoy. I'm also meeting lots of people."
She thinks it is important for people her age to be optimistic.
"I know I'm happy," she says. "Always look on the bright side."
The full article contains 934 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
