Senior Health Takes Center Stage as Baby Boomers Enter Golden Years

Senior health made big news recently, with media outlets across the country highlighting a disturbing trend in deaths caused by Alzheimer's disease.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of death from the degenerative brain disease rose 39 percent between 2000 and 2010. The news was particularly shocking as mortality rates for other conditions such as cancer, heart disease and stroke fell significantly over that same period.

In looking at the statistics for actual deaths caused by the disease, the Alzheimer's Association found mortality up 68 percent over the same decade.

Alzheimer’s is just one of several serious health conditions that develop as we age, making it increasingly important for individuals over 65 and their loved ones to start taking a more active role in their health.

Area seniors, along with their friends and family, can learn more about the common medical disorders associated with old age at the “Healthy Aging” talk on Tuesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Griffin Hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division Street in Derby.

Gerontologist Lionel Lim, MD, MPH, and Colorectal Surgeon John M. Aversa, D.O., will discuss and answer questions about the warning signs for common medical disorders that develop with age, as well as prevention and treatment options.

Dr. Lim is board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, General Preventive Medicine and Public Health, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He is the medical director of Griffin Hospital’s Geriatric Assessment Center, which comprehensive medical assessment and diagnostic services for senior citizens who are experiencing age-related issues, including decline in mental or physical health, memory loss, and frequent falls.

Dr. Aversa is a board-certified surgeon specializing in colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, pelvic floor disorders, bowel incontinence and constipation – all medical conditions that tend to affect older adults.

To find out more about senior health issues and ways to help prevent or prepare yourself or your loved one, come to “Healthy Aging” on March 26. To register or for more information, call 203.732.1511 or visit griffinhealth.org/programsevents.

About Tuesday Talks

“Healthy Aging” is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U “Tuesday Talks,” a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics. Click here for a list of upcoming talks.