For Senior Health, Practicing Good Physical and Mental Health Habits Is the Best Formula
Mario Fatigati, M.D.
By Andrew Wilson
Practicing good physical and mental health habits are important at any age, but particularly as you age.
“As you get older, you need to continue to be challenged mentally and physically,” said Mario Fatigati, M.D., an internist and Associate Chief Medical Officer with St. Clair Medical Group. “There are certain concerns that people have as they get older. Some people become less active, which impacts their physical heath. Stress, anxiety, and depression also can be harder to manage for older adults.”
Retirement brings about more life changes than just smaller income. There’s also a change in the social aspect as the retiree is not interacting with co-workers every day. Other changes, like the death of a spouse, can bring about increased anxiety levels over fear for their own health or the safety of other loved ones.
“You need to keep your brain sharp as you age,” Dr. Fatigati said. “You may be retired but find something different to do; something fun to do.”
Some older people enjoy crossword or sudoku puzzles, but it doesn’t have to be puzzles.
“Just sitting and reading will help keep your mind sharp,” he said. “Anything that draws you in and gets you interested will help.”
It doesn’t have to be sedentary either. As an avid fly fisherman, Dr. Fatigati recommends getting outdoors and being engaged with a more physical activity.
Of course, not everyone is able to enjoy outdoor activity. Some people may have a disability or may be homebound, but there are resources online that can help. Allegheny County has a website dedicated to services and activities and even transportation for older adults (https://www.alleghenycounty.us/human-services/programs-services/older-adults/senior-centers.aspx) and other counties have similar services.
Dr. Fatigati says the basics for good health as we age aren’t much different than the basics of good health at any age. “There is no magic formula,” he said. “You need to practice good health habits.”
The good health habits include:
Eat a healthy diet. Limit fast food and watch your alcohol intake.
Get consistent periods of exercise.
See your primary care physician regularly.
Follow prescribed treatment for any chronic conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Keep your vaccinations up to date.
“We need to preserve strength as we age, but preserving good balance is just as important,” said Dr. Fatigati. “We also need healthy interpersonal relationships, and what I mean by ‘healthy’ is eliminating or at least greatly reducing the relationships that cause you stress, anxiety, and depression.”
There is also a role to play for the adult children of senior parents. Dr. Fatigati suggests the following ways that adult children can help their parents:
Be engaged socially with your parents. One way for adult children to help parents is by navigating the digital world with or for them. They may lack electronic skills but may benefit from setting up some electronic accounts for banking, entertainment, or social interaction.
Identify social activities for them and encourage them to participate. Whether online or in the community, there are resources out there for seniors, but they may not know where to look.
Be an advocate for your parents. Assisting them with their banking, shopping, and medical needs may reduce their anxiety and help them maintain a better quality of life.
Mario J. Fatigati, MD, FACP, CMD, is an internal medicine physician and Associate Chief Medical Officer with St. Clair Medical Group. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both internal medicine and geriatric medicine. He sees patients at 1025 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA, His office can be reached by calling 412-221-3377.