Notice on NHFPC releasing core information about elderly health

By Feng Hui

(en.nhfpc.gov.cn)

Updated: 2014-10-23

12. Fall prevention

More than 90 percent of elderly fractures are caused by falling. The elderly should exercise moderately and wear glasses to improve eye sight, avoiding going out alone or going to crowded places. Items should be regularly placed in the room, where there is sufficient lighting and flat and dry ground.

13. Prevent osteoarticular disease and osteoporosis

Elderly people should keep their knees warm; avoid over exertion; use the stairs less; control weight to relieve stress to the joints of lower limbs; increase the time in the sun; eat food rich in calcium, low in salt and moderate in protein; and improve bone strength by walking or running.

14. Prevent stress and urinary incontinence

Old people should avoid activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as standing for a long time, squatting, bearing weight, chronic coughing and constipation.

15. Maintain a good attitude

Old people should see the doctor for psychological counseling or medical treatment if they suffer insomnia, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, depression, nervousness and overdependence.

16. Prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is most common among those over 65 years old. It affects memory, language, vision and personality. Once an elderly person’s memory significantly declines, they should see the doctor as soon as possible to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

17. Rational use of drugs

Old people taking medicine should follow doctors’ orders. Do not abuse antibiotics, sedatives, anesthetics, painkillers, antiarrhythmic drugs and cardiotonic drugs, and be cautious of unknown prescriptions, new medicine or foreign medicine. People with an adverse drug reaction should stop the medicine and see the doctor.

18. Periodic physicals

Old people should have a physical at least once a year and pay attention to early cancer signals, such as abnormal tumors, intestinal hemorrhage and weight loss. Once detected, people should see cancer specialists to receive treatment. Effective measures can decrease disease risks. Medical records should be fully kept.

19. Take along a health emergency card

A health emergency card should include basic information such as name, address, company name, family contact, history of diseases, possible situations that may happen to the patient, and the points of emergency aid.

20. Participate in social activities

Old people should exercise and participate in cultural activities according to their preferences. The elderly should keep a healthy lifestyle and pay attention to reproductive health, avoiding unsafe sexual behavior. The public should care for the elderly, ensuring they will be looked after properly, receive medical treatment, live to fulfill their value, and age with a proper attitude and happy outlook.