Frailty is not an inevitable part of ageing and there are many things that you can do to reduce the risk of developing frailty and reduce the risk of increasing frailty. Taking care of your general health and wellbeing can reduce the impact of developing frailty.
Eyesight
Your eyesight helps you to move around safely and be steady on your feet. As you get older your vision can change. You may notice blurred vision, less accuracy when judging depth or distances, not being able to see as well in low contrast situations, it is taking you longer to adjust to changes in lighting or a reduction in what your eye can see when looking forward. Changes in your vision can increase the risk of falls.
Look after your eyesight
Have regular eye checks (every two years until you are 60 then every year following). If you wear glasses or contact lenses look after them and have your prescription checked regularly.
For more information on eye care visit
NHS Inform - Looking after your vision and hearing
Seescape - You may remember this by it's former name 'Fife Society for the Blind.'
Hearing
Hearing problems are more likely as you get older but people often wait several years before discussing this with their GP. Problems with your hearing can affect your balance and awareness of hazards thus increasing your risk of tripping or falling. In fact, hearing loss if not addressed, has been linked to cognitive decline. If you notice changes in your hearing, contact your GP.
If you do suffer from hearing loss you may be fitted with a hearing aid which can help restore some, if not all, of your hearing. If you are already using a hearing aid ensure it is working properly.
Bran Questions
Don't be afraid to ask the BRAN questions of any healthcare professional you may see.
What are the Benefits?
What are the Risks?
What are the Alternatives?
What if I do Nothing?
Dementia
Dementia is a term that covers several conditions but what they all have in common is the effect it has on the brain, making it work less well. The effects progress over time but a lot can be done to help people live well with Dementia.
Your brain is amazing, Let's keep it that way
While there is no treatment that will cure dementia, the proactive management of modifiable risk factors can delay or slow onset or progression of the disease.
WHO have developed guidelines to support the reduction of risks of cognitive decline and dementia through a public health approach. As many of the risk factors for dementia are shared with those of non-communicable diseases, the key recommendations are common to frailty and sit behind the MCCNs focus on Healthy Ageing.
Medication
It is important to take medicines at the right time of day and in the dose shown in the prescription. However, certain medicines can make you feel faint, dizzy or drowsy. Let your GP or pharmacist know if you ever feel like this – they may want to change the dose you are taking or try a different medicine for you.
Before taking any ‘over the counter’ medicines or supplements that you can buy without a prescription, it is important to check with your pharmacist, as these can also have an effect on other medication you are taking.
There are devices available to support you to manage your medication. Speak to your pharmacist or self assess. See
Living safely and independently at home in Fife
Medicines Care and Review Service - NHS Inform
Chronic Medication service
The Chronic Medication Service (CMS) allows people with long-term conditions to register with a community pharmacy of their choice for the provision of pharmaceutical care as part of a shared agreement between the patient, community pharmacist and General Practitioner (GP). It introduces a more systematic way of working and formalises the role of community pharmacists in the management of individual patients with long term conditions in order to assist in improving the patient’s understanding of their medicines and optimising the clinical benefits from their therapy.
Other useful websites
Alzheimer's Scotland provides a range of advice and information for people living with dementia and for relatives/carers living with someone who has dementia. It includes useful information on power of attorney, how to access support and much more.
Care Information Scotland is not specific to one disease, but provides a wide range of information and advice on who to contact if you need help, including navigating the process of assessment, setting up care packages and where to go for financial information.
