Talking healthy aging with U of M
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (09/25/2024) — As Americans live longer and healthier lives, older adults are becoming one of the fastest growing groups in the US. According to the National Council on Aging, adults over 65 are expected to represent 22% of the American population by 2040.
Teresa McCarthy, MD, MS, with the University of Minnesota Medical School and M Health Fairview, speaks about healthy aging, the role of physical activity and how the U of M is advancing knowledge around aging-related care.
Q: What are some of the key factors that contribute to healthy aging?
Dr. McCarthy: Genetics play a role in healthy aging, but this is not something we can change. However, there are several factors that you can address to promote healthy aging, including exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep and proper management of acute and chronic disease. This also includes prevention with appropriate interventions like vaccinations, sunscreen, dental care, and screening for early identification of treatable diseases. The sooner these lifestyle changes and habits are implemented, the better.
Q: What role does physical activity play in maintaining health as we age?
Dr. McCarthy: Research shows that consistent, moderate exercise (150 minutes per week for those over 65) can improve stamina, strength, cognitive performance and mood. Exercise helps to maintain flexibility and stability, decreases the risk of falls and promotes social connections. All of these benefits help people continue to function at the highest possible levels.
Any physical activity is beneficial — this could be brief walks, seated leg exercises, stretching — anything you can do consistently and easily will be of benefit.
Q: What are the most common health issues associated with aging, and how can they be managed or prevented?
Dr. McCarthy: Common issues that lead to decline in healthy older adults include falls and strength loss due to immobility, which is why exercise is critical. Fall-associated spinal and hip fractures cause dramatic changes in the aging trajectory of previously active older people. Doing a home safety assessment to minimize fall risks is another easy and inexpensive investment in your health.
Taking multiple medications — known as polypharmacy – is a common and potentially dangerous problem for older people. As chronic conditions accumulate, medications prescribed for individual issues can interact adversely. Providers may not always consider the combined impact of all medications, which makes it crucial to have a primary care provider who oversees all diagnoses and prescriptions.
A pharmacist can conduct a medication therapy management review under Medicare to identify potential problems and collaborate with your primary care provider to adjust the medication regimen. I recommend this for anyone taking more than 5-7 medications.
Q: How does aging affect memory?
Dr. McCarthy: Memory changes with age are a significant concern for many older adults. While some slowing of brain processes is a typical part of aging, memory or cognitive problems that disrupt daily activities are not considered normal and should be assessed by a clinician. Many causes of memory issues are treatable and should be identified promptly to achieve the best outcome. Primary care clinics are a good resource for starting this evaluation process.
Q: What are you doing to advance knowledge around aging and health?
Dr. McCarthy: The University of Minnesota is increasing its investment in aging-related care and research. We have an internationally recognized team of researchers working to identify the biological contributors to unhealthy aging, which will help us develop better strategies for promoting healthy aging. We are also involved in national efforts to create care models that support healthy aging, both in our own clinics and among underserved populations throughout Minnesota. We also continue our mission to educate students and trainees across health disciplines on how to work together to support patients and caregivers with aging-related care needs.
Teresa McCarthy, MD, MS, is an associate professor with the U of M Medical School and a geriatrician with M Health Fairview. She is also faculty at the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation and the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. Dr. McCarthy's research experience includes falls, urinary incontinence, osteoporosis, care transitions/rehospitalization, and interprofessional teams. Dr. McCarthy also leads educational efforts about dementia, and also convenes shared learning in assisted living and skilled care settings through the Minnesota Geriatrics ECHO.
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About the University of Minnesota Medical School
The University of Minnesota Medical School is at the forefront of learning and discovery, transforming medical care and educating the next generation of physicians. Our graduates and faculty produce high-impact biomedical research and advance the practice of medicine. We acknowledge that the U of M Medical School is located on traditional, ancestral and contemporary lands of the Dakota and the Ojibwe, and scores of other Indigenous people, and we affirm our commitment to tribal communities and their sovereignty as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with tribal nations. For more information about the U of M Medical School, please visit med.umn.edu.
About the Minnesota Northstar GWEP
The purpose of the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program is to improve the health and healthcare of older adults across Minnesota. It is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the primary federal agency for improving health care for people who are geographically isolated and economically or medically vulnerable. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. The Minnesota Northstar GWEP is also supported by the Otto Bremer Trust, the University of Minnesota Medical School and the Office of Academic Clinical Affairs.
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