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General: Many treatments, medications, and surgeries are available to help people live longer, healthier lives. They may also help reduce signs and symptoms of aging. Assisted mobility devices: Some individuals may require assisted mobility devices to help them walk. This may include a cane, walker, wheelchair, or mobilized chair. Individuals should talk to their healthcare providers to determine the best options for them. Erectile dysfunction drugs: Several drugs, including sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), and vardenafil (Levitra®), have been used treat males who experience erectile dysfunction as a result of aging. These drugs are taken by mouth a few hours before sexual activity. These drugs should not be taken more than once every 24 hours. In general, side effects may include headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness, flushing, or stuffy nose. Serious side effects may include sudden severe loss of vision, blurred vision, changes in color vision, painful erection, priaprism (prolonged erection lasting longer than four hours), fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, itching or burning during urination, and rash. Patients should seek immediate medical treatment if any of these serious side effects develop. Bisphosphonates: Patients with osteoporosis may receive medications called bisphosphonates. These drugs are similar to estrogen in that they prevent the breakdown of bones, preserve bone mass, and increase bone density in the hip and spine. These drugs are taken for the rest of the patient's life. Side effects may include nausea and abdominal pain. Some patients may develop an inflamed esophagus or esophageal ulcers, especially if they have histories of such conditions. Patients who take bisphosphonates once a week or once a month may experience fewer side effects. Hearing aids: Individuals who experience hearing loss due to aging may benefit from hearing aids. These battery-operated devices are available in three basic styles: behind-the-ear aids, in-the-ear aids, and canal hearing aids. Patients should talk to their healthcare providers to determine the type of hearing aid that is best for them. A behind-the-ear device is used for mild to profound hearing loss. The device has a hard plastic case that is worn behind the ear and connected to a plastic ear mold that fits inside the outer ear. In-the-ear hearing aids fit completely inside the outer ear, and are they used for mild to severe hearing loss. Canal hearing aids are smaller hearing aids that fit inside the patient's hearing canal. They are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Hormone replacement therapy: Patients experiencing menopause may benefit from hormone therapy with estrogen to help alleviate symptoms. However, according to research, patients who receive estrogen have an increased risk of stroke. Patients should consult their healthcare providers to determine the potential health benefits and risks associated with hormone therapy. Plastic surgery: Plastic surgery has been gaining popularity as a way to reduce physical signs of aging. For instance, a facelift is one of the most common anti-aging surgical procedures that is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. During the surgery, an incision is made near the patient's hairline. The skin is then pulled back and the extra tissue is removed. As a result, the appearance of wrinkles is reduced and the skin appears smoother. However, there are health risks associated with surgical procedures, including infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. Older individuals have an increased risk of experiencing complications from surgery. Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgical procedures with their healthcare providers. Botox® injections have been used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It is the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism. However, the doses used for medical reasons are too low to cause illness in patients. Botox® injections weaken certain muscles or nerves, which temporarily reduces the appearance of wrinkles for about three to four months. Side effects include pain at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomachs. Injections in the face may also cause the eyelids to temporarily appear droopy. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. Retinol: Retinol lotions, gels, serums, peels, creams, and make-up removal products may reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the elderly. Vitamin A is the active ingredient in retinol. Vitamin a has been shown to increase collagen and elastin formation in the skin. This helps minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Many products containing retinol are available over-the-counter at local pharmacies, beauty care stores, and department stores. Examples include Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream®, Olay Beauty Fluid®, and Repairwear Lift Firming Night Cream®. Products that contain higher amounts of retinol are available by prescription.
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