Letter in Science Times

Howard Spiro's letter to the editor ("When Imaging Falls Short") appeared in the December 15, 2008, edition.

Growing Old, Gracefully

If there’s one thing that we cannot avoid, it’s the passage of years and death. The grim reaper comes calling on each and every one of us without fail – the only difference is that some of us go early while others are allowed to live to a ripe old age. I’m sure we’d all like to live forever, but since that’s not possible; we try for the next best thing, which is to live as long as we can. But there’s a downside to this scenario – because with age comes a lot of associated baggage that we don’t really care for, like senility, various aches and pains, wrinkles and bags, forgetfulness, and a host of other ailments and illnesses.

Growing old gracefully is something we’d all like to do, and towards that end, here’s what we can do:

• Accept that you’re growing old: Some people hate to admit that they’re showing physical signs of aging, and to make themselves look younger, rely completely on cosmetic surgery and cosmetics. But Botox has a nasty way of leaving telltale signs and layers of cosmetics do nothing to hide the ravages of time. Rather than have people snigger behind your back at your futile attempts to show that you’re young, give in gracefully and act your age.
• Remain young at heart: Just because time decides that your body should grow old, there’s no need to let your mind age too. You are as young as you think you are, so keep doing the things you used to do as far as physically possible. Listen to your body though, for signs of fatigue and exhaustion, and give in to them by taking a nap or resting for a while.
• Stay healthy and fit: Keep fit by exercising according to your physical condition. Walking is a safe exercise for people of all ages, but if you want to do anything more strenuous, consult your doctor before you begin a new routine or continue your old one. Exercise keeps you active and energetic as the years go by and also prevents your bones from falling prey to arthritis and osteoporosis.
• Eat the right food: Your digestive system slows down as you grow old, and you must respect your stomach by eating food that’s easily digested. Food that’s too rich, oily and starchy may have adverse effects on your system and give rise to embarrassing moments that you would rather avoid. Fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables to get your daily dose of vitamins and stay healthy.
• Stay independent: Even if you have a loving family to look after you, don’t stop taking care of yourself and being responsible for your own needs. You never know when you’re going to be left all alone, and when you are, you don’t want to find yourself helpless and unable to take care of even the most simple of your needs. So stay independent, and learn to do things for yourself.

This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of Radiology Technician Training. She invites your questions, comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com.

Training for medical residents

The Institute of Medicine has issued a report, Resident Duty Hours: Enhancing Sleep, Supervision, and Safety, with recommendations on how to change medical residency to reduce errors and increase learning.

Trusting Doctors

The New Republic has Sherwin B. Nuland's review of Trusting Doctors: The Decline of Moral Authority in American Medicine by Jonathan B. Imber.