How far should life-style be corrected in the elderly?

Abstract

To ensure a healthy elderly population, correction of life-style is one of the most important approaches. Smoking cessation, regulation of alcohol intake, prevention of obesity, improvement of nutrition, promotion of physical activity are key factors for prevention of bed-ridden and extension of healthy life span. Although corrections of life-style are essential in childhood, adolescence, and the middle-aged and elderly periods, the methods and purpose are different in each life stage. The risks of emaciation and malnutrition are more important rather than that of obesity in the elderly aged 75 years or over. As for the influence of smoking in cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, smoking can be a trigger for arrhythmia, peripheral vascular constriction, and irritation of the respiratory tract in the elderly. Smoking cessation is necessary even among elderly people. It is also necessary to decrease the amount of alcohol intake, because the ability of metabolize alcohol is limited in the elderly. Physical activity in the elderly people is fundamental not only to maintain the ability of daily living, but also to improve metabolic function and to prevent depression. Vigorous intervention to increase physical activity such as exercise class is recommended, especially in the elderly.