BANGKOK, Thailand – Growing older does not necessarily mean becoming less healthy. While grey hair, wrinkles and changes in skin are natural parts of ageing, they do not tell the whole story about a person’s health or life expectancy.
Older adults with visible wrinkles may still walk comfortably, eat well and enjoy their favourite activities. Meanwhile, people who look younger may have health problems that require attention. Assessing health in later life therefore means looking beyond appearance to include daily functioning, physical ability and medical check-ups.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes healthy ageing in terms of maintaining the abilities that allow people to live well as they grow older. This does not mean being completely free of disease. People with well-managed chronic conditions can still enjoy a good quality of life.
Here are three practical signs that older adults and their families should pay attention to.
- Maintaining daily activities without unusual fatigue
Being able to bathe, dress, walk around the home and enjoy familiar hobbies can provide useful clues about an older person’s overall wellbeing.
If someone begins tiring more easily than usual, struggles with activities that were previously manageable or remains exhausted after resting, the change should not automatically be dismissed as a normal part of ageing. A medical assessment can help identify the cause.
Changes in skin colour and the appearance of the eyes can also offer clues. Unusual paleness may be associated with anaemia, while yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes may indicate liver or bile duct problems. These signs require proper medical assessment and cannot establish a diagnosis on appearance alone.
Even older adults who look healthy and energetic should continue routine health checks and follow their doctors’ advice.
- A comfortable mouth and the ability to chew a variety of foods
Oral health plays an important role in nutrition and quality of life. Tooth decay, gum inflammation, loose teeth or poorly fitting dentures can make eating painful and cause older adults to avoid foods that are difficult to chew.
Over time, this may limit food choices and make it harder to obtain a balanced range of nutrients.
Older adults who have lost teeth can consult a dentist about replacement options and ways to improve chewing. Pain and difficulty eating should not simply be accepted as inevitable consequences of ageing.
Dry mouth should also be discussed with a dentist or doctor, as certain medications can contribute to the problem. Reduced saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Good daily oral care includes:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Cleaning between the teeth with suitable tools.
- Caring for dentures and oral tissues according to dental advice.
- Attending regular dental check-ups based on individual needs.
- Walking steadily, standing up and moving safely
Walking, rising from a chair and maintaining balance are important parts of independent living. Changes in these abilities may reveal problems that need attention.
Warning signs include walking more slowly than before, stumbling frequently or increasingly relying on furniture for support. These changes may be related to joint pain, eyesight, medication or underlying health conditions and should be assessed when necessary.
Older adults should remain physically active within their abilities and undertake suitable exercises to maintain strength and balance. Anyone with a history of falls or difficulty walking may benefit from advice from a doctor or physiotherapist.
Using a properly fitted cane or walking aid can also improve safety. There is no need to avoid assistance simply to prove that one remains physically strong.
Families can help reduce the risk of falls by keeping walkways clear, improving lighting and addressing slippery floors.
Sudden loss of balance or difficulty walking, especially alongside facial drooping, weakness on one side of the body or slurred speech, requires emergency medical attention. These may be signs of a stroke, even if the symptoms begin to improve.
Health checks and everyday abilities both matter
Medical examinations help identify and monitor risks such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. However, the ability to eat comfortably, walk safely, rise from a chair and manage daily activities is also important.
Older adults should tell their doctors about changes in these abilities, rather than focusing only on test results. Considering both medical findings and everyday functioning can help families and healthcare professionals develop care plans that better reflect an individual’s needs.
Healthy ageing starts with everyday habits
Longevity cannot be reliably judged by a youthful face, a lack of wrinkles or any other single physical characteristic. What matters is supporting good nutrition, maintaining oral health, preserving strength, moving safely and managing existing medical conditions. The goal is to help older adults continue doing the things that matter to them while ensuring they receive appropriate support when needed.
