“Change might not be fast and it isn't always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped.” ― Charles Duhigg

Continuing the healthy habits you established when you were younger can help prevent chronic illness from threatening your health. It also helps to maintain mobility as you age. If some of these habits are new for you, remember to speak with your doctor on how to get started safely and effectively:

• Eat a healthy, well-rounded diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Aim for a half-hour of daily physical activity  (use by weekly, focusing on strength ,balance and coordination for fall prevention ) – mayo clinic healthy aging
• Try to sleep a minimum of 7-8 hours daily
• Stay active mentally and physically
• Quit smoking

• Limit alcohol to one standard drink or less daily (one standard drink is about a can of 12 fluid ounces of 5% alcohol beer)
• Regular follow up on chronic disease and avoid polypharmacy

• Protect yourself from the sun

If you’re struggling with any of these habits, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talk to your doctor and seek support to build up good daily routines.

An annual health check is an opportunity to check in on your health and set goals for the year. Through the annual checking, you could focus on taking care of your current health for illness prevention and take early action on any diagnosed disease. Regular check-up is the key to long-term wellness. Here are some discussion ideas with your doctor at the annual exam:

• Any menopause symptoms you may have
• Changes in sleep habits
• Physical activity and daily diet
• Tobacco, alcohol and medication use
• Any mental health concerns, including depression or anxiety
• Family medical history
• Falls prevention
• Who will make health care decisions for you if you are unable to

To get the foremost out of the annual check, share your concerns and questions with your doctor for further discussion.

Health screening programs are available at our clinic.

Some Common Diseases or Conditions during the stage：

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus, is a chronic disorder characterised by a raised blood glucose level resulting from insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, or both. Diabetes increases the risk of cerebrovascular disease, heart diseases, foot gangrene, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. And it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Hong Kong.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a chronic disease in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. If blood pressure stays at a high level over time, different health problems may arise, including stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and even early death.

Heart diseases

"Heart diseases" refers to a broad spectrum of diseases related to the heart. Among different types of heart diseases, coronary heart disease constitutes a major portion of the mortality. People with coronary heart disease may experience central crushing chest pain, precipitated by exertion and relieved by rest. The pain may radiate to the arm, shoulder, neck, and jaw. Indeed, there are many risk factors for coronary heart disease and many of them are preventable or treatable.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease of the bone which leads to a reduction in bone density. The density of the affected bones becomes lower and the bones become more fragile, and therefore are more likely to break, resulting in fractures.

 “Treatment without prevention is simply unsustainable.” – Bill Gates

Proactively check with your doctor and decide if you would need to take preventive measures against certain diseases. Immunisations, tests, and health screenings are some discussion topics with a doctor to develop disease prevention tactics. Potential disease prevention measures may include:

• Seasonal influenza vaccination
• Pneumococcal vaccination
• Hepatitis A and B vaccination
• Herpes zoster vaccination (50 years old and above)
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) screening
• Cervical cancer screening with Pap test and HPV DNA tests
• Blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure screening
• Cancers screening
• Clinical breast examination and mammography screening
• Osteoporosis (65 years old and above)
• Colorectal cancer screening (50 years old and above)
• Skin cancer screening

Not every test or vaccine is needed every year, a better practice is to talk to your doctor about what’s right for you based on your age, health history and any symptoms or concerns you may have.

While your life priorities may change throughout the years, taking care of your health should always be your top priority. 

Our primary care team offers expertise and compassion to support you every step along the way. Schedule an appointment to get started.