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What’s the difference between ageing and frailty?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Ageing is a normal part of the life course. It doesn’t matter how many green smoothies you drink, or how many “anti-ageing” skin care products you use, you can’t stop the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685272/">ageing process</a>.</p> <p>But while we’re all getting older, not everyone who ages will necessarily become frail. Ageing and frailty are closely related, but they’re not the same thing.</p> <p>Let’s break down the difference between the two.</p> <h2>What is ageing?</h2> <p>On a biological level, ageing is the result of the build-up of <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health">cellular and molecular damage</a> in the body over time.</p> <p>The ageing process causes a gradual decline in physical and mental function, a higher risk of disease, and eventual (and unavoidable) death.</p> <p>Still, some people think they can cheat the system, <a href="https://fortune.com/well/article/bryan-johnson-live-longer-unrecognizable-anti-aging-procedure/">spending millions</a> trying to stay young forever. While we may be able to reduce the <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-these-three-popular-anti-ageing-skincare-ingredients-work-heres-what-the-evidence-says-182200">appearance of ageing</a>, ultimately there’s <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44324-024-00040-3">no magic pill</a> to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685272/">increase our longevity</a>.</p> <p>Around one in six Australians are over the age of 65 (<a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australians/contents/demographic-profile">16% of the total population</a>). Yet <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03601277.2024.2402056">as individuals</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/fear-of-ageing-is-really-a-fear-of-the-unknown-and-modern-society-is-making-things-worse-220925">a society</a> many of us still have a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/we-ve-been-constructed-to-think-a-certain-way-the-psychology-of-ageing-20231213-p5er6a.html">fear of ageing</a>.</p> <p>But what is it about ageing we are so afraid of? When it comes down to it, many people are probably less afraid of ageing, and more afraid of becoming frail.</p> <h2>What is frailty?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.afn.org.au/what-is-frailty/">Frailty</a> is defined as a state of vulnerability characterised by a loss of reserve across multiple parts of the body.</p> <p>Frailty is generally characterised by <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/frailty-declared-a-medical-condition">several physical symptoms</a>, such as weakness, slow walking speed, exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, and low activity level.</p> <p>Lower bone density and osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become weak and brittle) are also <a href="https://josr-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13018-024-04875-w">associated with frailty</a>, increasing the risk of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1279770723020250">falls and fractures</a>.</p> <p>Notably, someone who is frail is less able to “bounce back” (or recover) after a stressor event compared to someone who is not frail. A stressor event could be, for example, having a fall, getting a urinary infection, or even being admitted to hospital.</p> <p>Frailty is more common in older people. But in some cases, frailty can affect younger people too. For example, people with advanced chronic diseases, such as <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurjcn/article/22/4/345/6775229">heart failure</a>, can <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.5694/mja15.00801">develop frailty</a> much younger.</p> <p>Frailty is dynamic. While it can get worse over time, in some cases <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037851221830478X">frailty can also be reversed</a> or even prevented through health and lifestyle changes.</p> <p>For example, we know physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle can <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(19)31786-6/abstract">significantly increase a person’s risk</a> of becoming frail. On the flip side, evidence shows doing more exercise can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36746389/">reduce frailty in older adults</a>.</p> <p>There are other lifestyle modifications we can make too. And the earlier we make these changes, the better.</p> <h2>Preventing frailty</h2> <p>Here are some <a href="https://youtu.be/41cMkvsaOOM">key things</a> you can do to <a href="https://www.self.com/story/how-to-avoid-frailty-old-age">help prevent frailty</a>:</p> <p><strong>1. Get moving</strong></p> <p>Exercise more, including resistance training (such as squats and lunges, or grab some stretchy resistance bands). Many of these sorts of exercises can be done at home. YouTube has some <a href="https://youtu.be/XDQo4wslr7I?si=FAoyHLDZgSG5AN1r">great resources</a>.</p> <p>You might also consider joining a gym, or asking your GP about seeing an accredited exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. Medicare <a href="https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&amp;q=10953&amp;qt=item">subsidies may be available</a> for these specialists.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-older-australians-65-years-and-over">physical activity guidelines</a> for older Australians recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days or preferably every day.</p> <p>The guidelines also highlight the importance of incorporating different types of activities (such as resistance, balance or flexibility exercises) and reducing the time you spend sitting down.</p> <p><strong>2. Stay socially active</strong></p> <p>Social isolation and loneliness can <a href="https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article-abstract/64/10/gnae114/7734069">contribute to the progression of frailty</a>. Reach out to friends and family for support or contact local community groups that you may be able to join. This might include your local Zumba class or bridge club.</p> <p><strong>3. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to regularly check your medications</strong></p> <p>“Polypharmacy” (when someone is prescribed <a href="https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/healthcare-variation/fourth-atlas-2021/medicines-use-older-people/61-polypharmacy-75-years-and-over">five or more medications</a>) is associated with an increased <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6005607/">risk of frailty</a>. The presence of frailty can also interfere with how the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0047637419300387">body absorbs medicines</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/home-medicines-review">Home medicine reviews</a> are available for older adults with a <a href="https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&amp;q=900">chronic medical condition or a complex medication regimen</a>. These reviews aims to help people get the most benefit from their medicines and reduce their risk of <a href="https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-04/fourth_atlas_2021_-_6.2_medications_management_reviews_75_years_and_over_0.pdf">experiencing adverse effects</a>.</p> <p>Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your current medications.</p> <p><strong>4. Eat a protein-rich diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables</strong></p> <p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/61/6/589/589472?login=true#9578331">Low nutrient intake</a> can negatively impact physical function and may increase your risk of becoming frail. There’s some evidence to suggest eating more protein may <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/49/1/32/5618813">delay the onset of frailty</a>.</p> <p>A food-first approach is best when looking to increase the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7598653/#:%7E:text=Many%20studies%20have%20described%20an,are%20necessary%20to%20prevent%20frailty.">protein in your diet</a>. Protein is found in <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/protein#protein-foods">foods such as</a> lean meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts.</p> <p>Adults over 50 should aim to eat <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/protein">64 grams of protein</a> per day for men and 46g per day for women. Adults over 70 should aim for 81g per day for men and 57g per day for women.</p> <p>Ask your GP for a referral to a dietitian who can provide advice on a dietary regime that is best for you.</p> <p>Supplements may be recommended if you are struggling to meet your protein needs from diet alone.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/247450/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/julee-mcdonagh-1525476">Julee McDonagh</a>, Senior Research Fellow of Frailty Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/caleb-ferguson-72">Caleb Ferguson</a>, Professor of Nursing and Director of Health Innovations, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-ageing-and-frailty-one-is-inevitable-the-other-is-not-247450">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Mikhail Nikov / Pexels</em></p> </div>

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What’s the difference between ageing and frailty? One is inevitable – the other is not

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/julee-mcdonagh-1525476">Julee McDonagh</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/caleb-ferguson-72">Caleb Ferguson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <p>Ageing is a normal part of the life course. It doesn’t matter how many green smoothies you drink, or how many “anti-ageing” skin care products you use, you can’t stop the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685272/">ageing process</a>.</p> <p>But while we’re all getting older, not everyone who ages will necessarily become frail. Ageing and frailty are closely related, but they’re not the same thing.</p> <p>Let’s break down the difference between the two.</p> <h2>What is ageing?</h2> <p>On a biological level, ageing is the result of the build-up of <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health">cellular and molecular damage</a> in the body over time.</p> <p>The ageing process causes a gradual decline in physical and mental function, a higher risk of disease, and eventual (and unavoidable) death.</p> <p>Still, some people think they can cheat the system, <a href="https://fortune.com/well/article/bryan-johnson-live-longer-unrecognizable-anti-aging-procedure/">spending millions</a> trying to stay young forever. While we may be able to reduce the <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-these-three-popular-anti-ageing-skincare-ingredients-work-heres-what-the-evidence-says-182200">appearance of ageing</a>, ultimately there’s <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44324-024-00040-3">no magic pill</a> to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685272/">increase our longevity</a>.</p> <p>Around one in six Australians are over the age of 65 (<a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australians/contents/demographic-profile">16% of the total population</a>). Yet <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03601277.2024.2402056">as individuals</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/fear-of-ageing-is-really-a-fear-of-the-unknown-and-modern-society-is-making-things-worse-220925">a society</a> many of us still have a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/we-ve-been-constructed-to-think-a-certain-way-the-psychology-of-ageing-20231213-p5er6a.html">fear of ageing</a>.</p> <p>But what is it about ageing we are so afraid of? When it comes down to it, many people are probably less afraid of ageing, and more afraid of becoming frail.</p> <h2>What is frailty?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.afn.org.au/what-is-frailty/">Frailty</a> is defined as a state of vulnerability characterised by a loss of reserve across multiple parts of the body.</p> <p>Frailty is generally characterised by <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/frailty-declared-a-medical-condition">several physical symptoms</a>, such as weakness, slow walking speed, exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, and low activity level.</p> <p>Lower bone density and osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become weak and brittle) are also <a href="https://josr-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13018-024-04875-w">associated with frailty</a>, increasing the risk of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1279770723020250">falls and fractures</a>.</p> <p>Notably, someone who is frail is less able to “bounce back” (or recover) after a stressor event compared to someone who is not frail. A stressor event could be, for example, having a fall, getting a urinary infection, or even being admitted to hospital.</p> <p>Frailty is more common in older people. But in some cases, frailty can affect younger people too. For example, people with advanced chronic diseases, such as <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurjcn/article/22/4/345/6775229">heart failure</a>, can <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.5694/mja15.00801">develop frailty</a> much younger.</p> <p>Frailty is dynamic. While it can get worse over time, in some cases <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037851221830478X">frailty can also be reversed</a> or even prevented through health and lifestyle changes.</p> <p>For example, we know physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle can <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(19)31786-6/abstract">significantly increase a person’s risk</a> of becoming frail. On the flip side, evidence shows doing more exercise can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36746389/">reduce frailty in older adults</a>.</p> <p>There are other lifestyle modifications we can make too. And the earlier we make these changes, the better.</p> <h2>Preventing frailty</h2> <p>Here are some <a href="https://youtu.be/41cMkvsaOOM">key things</a> you can do to <a href="https://www.self.com/story/how-to-avoid-frailty-old-age">help prevent frailty</a>:</p> <p><strong>1. Get moving</strong></p> <p>Exercise more, including resistance training (such as squats and lunges, or grab some stretchy resistance bands). Many of these sorts of exercises can be done at home. YouTube has some <a href="https://youtu.be/XDQo4wslr7I?si=FAoyHLDZgSG5AN1r">great resources</a>.</p> <p>You might also consider joining a gym, or asking your GP about seeing an accredited exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. Medicare <a href="https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&amp;q=10953&amp;qt=item">subsidies may be available</a> for these specialists.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-older-australians-65-years-and-over">physical activity guidelines</a> for older Australians recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days or preferably every day.</p> <p>The guidelines also highlight the importance of incorporating different types of activities (such as resistance, balance or flexibility exercises) and reducing the time you spend sitting down.</p> <p><strong>2. Stay socially active</strong></p> <p>Social isolation and loneliness can <a href="https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article-abstract/64/10/gnae114/7734069">contribute to the progression of frailty</a>. Reach out to friends and family for support or contact local community groups that you may be able to join. This might include your local Zumba class or bridge club.</p> <p><strong>3. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to regularly check your medications</strong></p> <p>“Polypharmacy” (when someone is prescribed <a href="https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/healthcare-variation/fourth-atlas-2021/medicines-use-older-people/61-polypharmacy-75-years-and-over">five or more medications</a>) is associated with an increased <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6005607/">risk of frailty</a>. The presence of frailty can also interfere with how the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0047637419300387">body absorbs medicines</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/home-medicines-review">Home medicine reviews</a> are available for older adults with a <a href="https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&amp;q=900">chronic medical condition or a complex medication regimen</a>. These reviews aims to help people get the most benefit from their medicines and reduce their risk of <a href="https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-04/fourth_atlas_2021_-_6.2_medications_management_reviews_75_years_and_over_0.pdf">experiencing adverse effects</a>.</p> <p>Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your current medications.</p> <p><strong>4. Eat a protein-rich diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables</strong></p> <p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/61/6/589/589472?login=true#9578331">Low nutrient intake</a> can negatively impact physical function and may increase your risk of becoming frail. There’s some evidence to suggest eating more protein may <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/49/1/32/5618813">delay the onset of frailty</a>.</p> <p>A food-first approach is best when looking to increase the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7598653/#:%7E:text=Many%20studies%20have%20described%20an,are%20necessary%20to%20prevent%20frailty.">protein in your diet</a>. Protein is found in <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/protein#protein-foods">foods such as</a> lean meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts.</p> <p>Adults over 50 should aim to eat <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/protein">64 grams of protein</a> per day for men and 46g per day for women. Adults over 70 should aim for 81g per day for men and 57g per day for women.</p> <p>Ask your GP for a referral to a dietitian who can provide advice on a dietary regime that is best for you.</p> <p>Supplements may be recommended if you are struggling to meet your protein needs from diet alone.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/247450/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/julee-mcdonagh-1525476"><em>Julee McDonagh</em></a><em>, Senior Research Fellow of Frailty Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/caleb-ferguson-72">Caleb Ferguson</a>, Professor of Nursing and Director of Health Innovations, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-ageing-and-frailty-one-is-inevitable-the-other-is-not-247450">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Cash boost for millions of Aussies as indexation kicks in

<p>Millions of Australians are set to get a cash boost within weeks as the Services Australia payments are indexed on top of additional increases to Rent Assistance payments, with the changes coming into effect on September 20</p> <p>The indexation will be applied to a range of pensions and payments including the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payments, Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, and Parenting Payments.</p> <p>The indexation increases of up to $41.50 a fortnight will vary based on the payments.</p> <p>Centrelink JobSeeker recipients will receive an extra $71.20 per fortnight. </p> <p>“Single JobSeeker Payment recipients with an assessed partial capacity to work of 0 to 14 hours per week will move to the higher rate of JobSeeker, receiving $849.50 a fortnight,” the Department of Social Services said.</p> <p>The maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance will be increased by 10 per cent.</p> <p>For families with one or two children, he Rent Assistance fortnightly payment will increase by $27.02.</p> <p>Single age pensioners will see an increase of $28.10 to their fortnightly payments, and recipients in a couple will receive a combined $42.40 increase to their payments.</p> <p>The same increase will apply to the Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment.</p> <p>Single recipients receiving the fortnightly Parenting Payment will  receive a $19.80 increase, while single recipients without children will get a $15.30 boost. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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The BMI isn’t all its cracked up to be

<p>The obsession people have with weight is nothing new. But as the relationship between science and weight evolves, health professionals are increasingly advocating for a shift away from one of the most often used tools as an individual measure of health.</p> <div class="copy"> <p>The Body Mass Index – or BMI – has been used for the past half century as a standard measurement tool for weight and obesity. It’s calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.</p> <p>This produces a figure which is indexed on a spectrum of weight ranges. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, above 25 is overweight, and above 30 is obese.</p> <p>The latest episode of <em>Debunks</em>, a new podcast from Cosmos, investigates how useful the BMI actually is for assessing health.</p> <p>Health advocacy bodies, health insurers and government departments all make reference to the BMI as being a globally recognised standard for weight classification.</p> <p>Most – but not all – <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/bmi-overweight-obese-healthy-deaths/">acknowledge that the tool is imperfect</a>. Its <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/body-and-mind/body-mass-index-miscalculation/">simple arithmetic</a> is based on a system devised by 19th-century Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet, who was an early pioneer of the social sciences and the use of data to understand human trends.</p> <p>The so-called ‘Quetelet Index’ was first described in 1832 as a means of trying to identify a calculation for the average man, first by conducting cross-sectional studies of infants and then adults.</p> <p>The need to consider weight as an indicator for health, mortality and morbidity, saw scientists trial several measurements before settling on Quetelet’s formula and rebranding it as the BMI in 1972.</p> <p>The problem? The BMI was largely based on studies of Anglo-Saxon populations. This is one of the biggest limitations often recognised by health groups. The Australian Department of Health, for instance, notes that a healthy BMI range is generally lower for people of Asian backgrounds, and higher for those of Polynesian backgrounds.</p> <p>But ethnicity isn’t the only limiting factor. Age and pregnancy status also play a part. Even athletes with more lean muscle (which weighs more than fat) might also find the standard BMI doesn’t capture their health status accurately.</p> <p>Diets and lifestyles have also shifted from the 19th century Belgian standard, and even from those of 50 years ago. Health professionals have long supported a shift away from the BMI being used as a rolled gold indicator of individual health, and medical professionals are beginning to take a wider view of patient health.</p> <p>“There has been a recent change in the position from the [US] National Academies of Nutrition and Dietetics surrounding BMI and there are shifts in the guidelines around BMI for medical diagnosis,” Dr Emma Beckett, a molecular nutritionist at the University of Newcastle, tells <em>Debunks</em>.</p> <p>The same goes for other measurements like waist-to-hip ratios and waist circumference. These metrics are often used by researchers conducting large population studies, but they don’t necessarily explain a person’s ‘health picture’.</p> <p>“Because we measure them in so many of our research studies, people mistakenly believe they are the most important markers of health and it’s just not true. Health is so much more complicated,” Beckett says.</p> <p>“The ‘normal’ [BMI] category is the one with the lowest health risks, but it doesn’t mean being in that category means you have no health risks and it doesn’t mean if you just get yourself into that category and change nothing else, there are no health risks.”</p> <p>On the latest series of Debunks, a podcast from Cosmos and 9Podcasts, find out how weight – and measurements like the BMI – are much more complicated than they might seem.</p> <p><iframe title="Weight: Should you care about your BMI?" src="https://omny.fm/shows/debunks/weight-should-you-care-about-your-bmi/embed" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <div><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; padding-top: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 20px;"><em><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/body-and-mind/the-bmi-isnt-all-its-cracked-up-to-be/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="null">Cosmos</a>. </em></div> </div>

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The body mass index can’t tell us if we’re healthy. Here’s what we should use instead

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rachael-jefferson-buchanan-297850">Rachael Jefferson-Buchanan</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a></em></p> <p>We’ve known for some time the <a href="https://theconversation.com/using-bmi-to-measure-your-health-is-nonsense-heres-why-180412">body mass index (BMI) is an inaccurate measuring stick</a> for assessing someone’s weight and associated health. But it continues to be the go-to tool for medical doctors, population researchers and personal trainers.</p> <p>Why is such an imperfect tool still being used, and what should we use instead?</p> <h2>First, what is BMI?</h2> <p>BMI is an internationally recognised screening method for sorting people into one of four weight categories: underweight (BMI less than 18.5), normal weight (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25.0 to 29.9) or obese (30 or greater).</p> <p>It’s a value <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/index.html">calculated</a> by a measure of someone’s mass (weight) divided by the square of their height.</p> <h2>Who invented BMI?</h2> <p>Belgian mathematician <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Adolphe-Quetelet">Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet</a> (1796-1874) devised the BMI in 1832, as a mathematical model to chart the average Western European man’s <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17890752/">physical characteristics</a>.</p> <p>It was initially called the <a href="https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/professional/multimedia/clinical-calculator/body-mass-index-quetelets-index">Quetelet Index</a> and was never meant to be used as a medical assessment tool. The Quetelex Index was renamed the “body mass index” in 1972.</p> <h2>What’s wrong with the BMI?</h2> <p>Using a mathematical formula to give a full picture of someone’s health is just not possible.</p> <p>The BMI <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html">does not measure excess body fat</a>, it just measures “excess” weight. It does not distinguish between excess body fat or bone mass or musculature, and does not interpret the distribution of fat (which <em>is</em> a <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/abdominal-fat-and-what-to-do-about-it">predictor</a> of health, including type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, and heart disease).</p> <p>It also cannot tell the difference between social variables such as sex, age, and ethnicity. Given Quetelet’s formula used only Western European men, the findings are not appropriate for many other groups, including non-European ethnicities, post-menopausal women and pregnant women.</p> <p>The medical profession’s <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37432007/">overreliance on BMI</a> may be <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2930234/">harming patients’ health</a> as it ignores much of what makes us healthy and focuses only on mass.</p> <h2>What should we use instead?</h2> <p>Rather than seeing BMI as the primary diagnostic test for determining a person’s health, it should be used in conjunction with other measures and considerations.</p> <p>Since researchers know belly fat around our vital organs carries the most <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3324">health risk</a>, <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-definition/how-to-measure-body-fatness/">waist circumference</a>, waist-to-hip ratio or waist-to-height ratio offer more accurate measurements of health.</p> <p><strong>Waist circumference</strong>: is an effective measure of fat distribution, particularly for athletes who carry less fat and more muscle. It’s most useful as a predictor of health when <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027970/">combined with the BMI</a>. Waist circumference should be less than 94cm for men and 80cm for women for <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bundles/your-heart/waist-measurement">optimal health</a>, as measured from halfway between the bottom of your ribs and your hip bones.</p> <p><strong>Waist-to-hip ratio</strong>: calculates the proportion of your body fat and how much is stored on your waist, hips, and buttocks. It’s the waist measurement divided by hip measurement and according to the World Health Organisation it should be <a href="https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44583/9789241501491_eng.pdf;jsessionid=A119D165CFFF5E7B5BDBD51D9DD25684?sequence=1">0.85 or less for women, and 0.9 or less in men</a> to reduce health risks. It’s especially beneficial in predicting health outcomes in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40200-021-00882-4">older people</a>, as the ageing process alters the body proportions on which BMI is founded. This is because fat mass increases and muscle mass decreases with age.</p> <p><strong>Waist-to-height ratio</strong>: is height divided by waist circumference, and it’s <a href="https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article/keep-the-size-of-your-waist-to-less-than-half-of-your-height-updated-nice-draft-guideline-recommends">recommended</a> a person’s waist circumference be kept at less than half their height. Some studies have found this measure is <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/3/e010159">most strongly correlated</a> with health predictions.</p> <p>Body composition and body fat percentage can also be calculated through <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1A9m0wO17g">skinfold measurement tests</a>, by assessing specific locations on the body (such as the abdomen, triceps or quadriceps) with skin callipers.</p> <p>Additional ways to gauge your heart health include asking your doctor to monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure. These more formal tests can be combined with a review of lifestyle, diet, physical activity, and family medical history.</p> <h2>What makes us healthy apart from weight?</h2> <p>A diet including whole grains, low fat protein sources such as fish and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legume">legumes</a>, eggs, yoghurt, cheese, milk, nuts, seeds, and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-healthy-diet/art-20047702">reduces our risk</a> of heart and vessel disease.</p> <p>Limiting <a href="https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/generalissues/Pages/processed-foods.aspx">processed food</a> and sugary snacks, as well as <a href="https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/healthy+living/healthy+eating/healthy+eating+tips/eat+less+saturated+and+trans+fats">saturated and trans fats</a> can help us with weight management and ward off diet-related illnesses.</p> <p>Being physically active most days of the week improves general health. This <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians">includes</a> two sessions of strength training per week, and 2.5 to five hours of moderate cardio activity or 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous cardio activity.</p> <p>Weight is just one aspect of health, and there are much better measurements than BMI.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/211190/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rachael-jefferson-buchanan-297850"><em>Rachael Jefferson-Buchanan</em></a><em>, Lecturer in Human Movement Studies (Health and PE) and Creative Arts, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-sturt-university-849">Charles Sturt University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-body-mass-index-cant-tell-us-if-were-healthy-heres-what-we-should-use-instead-211190">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Worrying photo sparks fresh concerns for Queen Elizabeth's health

<p>The public has seen their first glimpse of Queen Elizabeth in almost 8 weeks as she appointed Britain's new prime minister in an official engagement.</p> <p>Rather than taking place at Buckingham Palace as per tradition, the ceremony was held inside the green-carpeted drawn room at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. </p> <p>The monarch was supported by her walking cane as she invited Liz Truss, Her Majesty's 15th prime minister in her 70-year-reign, to form a new government.</p> <p>Despite Her Majesty looking lively and happy during the meeting, people were quick to spot the large bruise on the Queen's hand, reigniting concerns about the monarch's health. </p> <p>ITV's royal editor Chris Ship said the bruising was a sign of changing times in the Queen's advancing years.</p> <p>"I'm no medic but it could be some form of cannula that the Queen's had, we are guessing," Ship told <em>Today</em>.</p> <p>"Buckingham Palace never tells us about her ongoing medical conditions. She's 96 years old. A frail lady, let's be clear. And queen of advancing age.</p> <p> </p> <p>"We're going to get used to the constitutional diary having to be changed to suit the needs of an ageing monarch."</p> <p>The decision to call outgoing leader Boris Johnson, and his replacement, to Balmoral was taken due to the Queen's comfort.</p> <p>Reports claim that the Queen has been advised against excessive travelling, having reportedly endured "a change in the past few weeks" in her mobility, <a title="The Telegraph" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/09/06/queens-balmoral-audience-liz-truss-sign-changing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Telegraph</a> UK reports.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: #333333; color: #333333; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"> <div id="outbrain_widget_0" class="OUTBRAIN" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline;" data-src="//honey.nine.com.au/royals/queen-elizabeth-health-fears-renewed-after-bruised-hand-seen-in-meeting-with-prime-minister-at-balmoral/22de3833-5f72-4a1b-8ebd-072180acbf68" data-widget-id="AR_8" data-external-id="e10677520a27f6286db19824e4a585aa" data-ob-mark="true" data-browser="safari" data-os="macintel" data-dynload="" data-idx="0"> <div class="ob-widget ob-grid-layout AR_8 ob-cmn-AR_8" style="box-sizing: content-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: relative;" data-dynamic-truncate="true"> <div class="ob-widget-header" style="box-sizing: content-box; margin: 24px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; display: flex; -webkit-box-pack: justify; justify-content: space-between; -webkit-box-align: center; align-items: center; color: #303030;"> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

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Frailty can be reduced in older Australians

<p dir="ltr">The stay-at-home health restrictions to protect Aussies from Covid has seen frailty increase amongst those aged 65 and over. </p> <p dir="ltr">People were restricted from visiting their service clubs, attending exercise groups, and doing their usual community activities that keep them active.</p> <p dir="ltr">This in turn then saw a lack of interest in people getting back into the swing of things when it comes to their health which in turn saw frailty increase. </p> <p dir="ltr">Frailty sees older people falling over more, an increase in functional loss, and at risk of poor health. </p> <p dir="ltr">This affects one in two people from the age of 65 and over. </p> <p dir="ltr"> Judy Lowthian, the Head of Research at Bolton Clarke Professor is leading the Being Your Best program, which works with major Melbourne health providers and older people at risk of frailty to develop.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Lowthian is looking to deliver preventative interventions including physical activity, cognitive training, nutrition, and social support. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We know that physical exercise like strength and resistance training is effective and it’s more effective if you do it in a group situation,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We also know we have to look at nutritional needs because frailty can include losing weight.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Cognitive training, like word games and crosswords, and social support are also valuable – people who have a tendency to be frail also tend to become more isolated.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Pre-pandemic up to one in two older Australians were pre-frail. However, with ongoing and recurring lockdowns, there has been an alarming increase in falls among older people due to decreased physical functioning associated with social isolation and decreased physical activity.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Body mass index miscalculation

<div> <div class="copy"> <p>For the first time in my life, to my horror, I noticed I had developed a spare tyre, so I put myself on a diet to get rid of it.</p> <p>It was a very simple diet: eat less. I lost 7 kg in three weeks and I looked trim. Bouncing triumphantly off the scales one morning, I decided to check my body mass index (BMI).</p> <p>To my great surprise, with a BMI of 24.1, I was at the high end of ‘normal’, <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.health.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/publishing.nsf/Content/healthy-weight" target="_blank">defined as between 18.5 and 24.9</a>. The charts told me I could lose another <span style="font-family: inherit;">20 kg and still be normal, but that would leave me skin and bones.</span></p> <p>It naturally got me wondering: how scientific is the body mass index (BMI)?</p> <p>It may be a <a rel="noopener" href="https://academic.oup.com/ndt/article/23/1/47/1923176" target="_blank">188-year-old staple of health statistics</a>, but modern health professionals have documented many flaws.</p> <p>For starters, the BMI doesn’t distinguish whether body weight comes from fat or muscle, so Michelin Man and the Terminator might have the same BMI despite their very obvious differences in fat and muscle distribution.</p> <p>Neither does it factor in other key health criteria such as age, gender or body type. For instance, people who deposit fat around their waists are at a higher risk of disease than people who deposit it on their hips and thighs.</p> <p>My concern, however, is that the BMI ignores elementary physics.</p> <p>The problem traces back to Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet, the Belgian statistician who invented the BMI in 1830.</p> <p>Quetelet failed to consider the mathematics of scaling. He defined the body mass index as weight divided by height squared.</p> <p>Note, however, that weight is proportional to volume, which is proportional to height cubed. The upshot of this is that, all other things being equal, BMI varies directly with height, which it clearly should not. (See formula below.)</p> <p>Perhaps the fault goes back to Jonathan Swift’s <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/17157/17157-h/17157-h.htm" target="_blank">wildly popular 1726 tale of </a><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/17157/17157-h/17157-h.htm" target="_blank">Gulliver’s Travels</a>. Swift’s giant Brobdingnagians and tiny Lilliputians could not actually exist.</p> <p>For example, consider a giant twice as tall as myself but with exactly my shape and looks.</p> <p>If the giant was standing on a beach with no other objects in sight, a far-off observer could not tell that he was not me.</p> <p>Because his mass would be proportional to my height cubed, my double-height doppelganger would weigh eight times more than me.</p> <p>However, the cross-sectional area of his legs would be proportional to my height squared, so they would be only four times stronger.</p> <p>Those poor bones! They would be over-stressed by carrying eight times the weight.</p> <p>My giant double would collapse under his own weight. Now create a version of me half my height. He would weigh one-eighth of what I weigh, but his leg bones and muscles would be twice as strong as they needed to be.</p> <p>Nature understands this, which is why elephants look like elephants and ants like ants.</p> <p>The BMI formula does not share this insight. It can make tall people appear overweight when they are not.</p> <p>Compared with a 152 cm (five foot) individual with a ‘normal’ BMI of 22, an identically proportioned 183 cm (six foot) person would have a BMI of 26.5 – overweight.</p> <p>Based on BMI ranges, most Australians are too plump: 28% are classified as obese, 35% overweight, 35% normal and a mere 2% underweight.</p> <p>No doubt this skewing towards being overweight reflects a genuine health problem. But it might be affected by the increase in the average height of the population since 1830.</p> <p>Fortunately for Quetelet, there were few Terminators back then to question his BMI.</p> <p>And fortunately for Jonathan Swift his satire was not questioned by an incurable engineer who would have pointed out that the Brobdingnagian giants, at 12 times the height of Gulliver, would have weighed more than 100 tonnes, with a BMI in the hundreds.</p> <p>I don’t suggest changing the way the BMI is calculated, despite its flaws, because we would not want to throw out the past 188 years of BMI records (noting that in most cases the raw data – height and weight – will not have been kept).</p> <p>Instead, we could adjust the standard <span style="font-family: inherit;">BMI numerical ranges for underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese based on height, and perhaps even gender and body shape.</span></p> <p>Then your quite trim incurable engineer could relax instead of dieting himself to skin and bones.</p> <em>Image credit: Shutterstock                        <!-- Start of tracking content syndication. Please do not remove this section as it allows us to keep track of republished articles --> <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=21579&amp;title=Body+mass+index+miscalculation" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> <!-- End of tracking content syndication -->          </em></div> <div id="contributors"> <p><em>This article was originally published on <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/body-and-mind/body-mass-index-miscalculation/" target="_blank">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Alan Finkel.</em></p> </div> </div>

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Why Sydney has just been rated 39th worst city in the world

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="https://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-cities-in-the-world"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Time Out Index</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> surveyed 34,000 people to discover the best cities around the world. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These people are located in 48 different cities around the world and are quizzed on food, drink, culture, night-life, community, neighbourhoods, overall happiness and a variety of other factors.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In news that shouldn’t be surprising, New York was rated number one due to the city’s diversity, culture and dynamism. It ranked second for eating, and third for drinking, live music and night-life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, Sydney was given a low score when it came to having fun. Apparently, city dwellers in Sydney would rather go to the gym instead of going out. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lockout laws have created a grim nightlife scene, and Sydney came 39</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on the list for best cities in the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s beaten Hong Kong, Boston, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Istanbul, just to name a few places. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Melbourne was the second-best city on the list, as it ranked highly for live music, general happiness and was rated among the best for food, drink, fun and multiculturalism.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The top ten in the list include:</span></p> <ol> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> New York</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Melbourne</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Chicago</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> London</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Los Angeles</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Montreal</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Berlin</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Glasgow</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Paris</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Tokyo</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Do you agree with this list? Let us know in the comments.</span></p>

Domestic Travel

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The Australian passport just became even more powerful

<p>The Australian passport is now even more powerful than it was last year.</p> <p>According to the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.henleypassportindex.com/assets/PI_2018_INFOGRAPHS_GLOBAL_180709.pdf" target="_blank">Henley Passport Index</a>,</strong></span> which compares each nation for its ease of travelling around the world, Australia ranked sixth alongside Greece.</p> <p>One spot higher than last year, Aussies now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 destinations around the world.</p> <p>The index, which has been running annually since 2013, places us one position above neighbouring New Zealand.</p> <p>However, there were 20 countries with stronger passports than Australia.</p> <p>Topping the list was Japan and Singapore whose residents have access to 189 countries without needing a visa, followed by former number one Germany in second position with 188.</p> <p>Sweden, Finland, Italy, Spain, Denmark, France and South Korea were all ranked joint third with 187.</p> <p><img width="650" height="488" src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/b13af67d3e4132fc79efc8190a1b0742" alt="The global passport rankings by Henley." style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Dr Christian H. Kalin, group chairman of Henley &amp; Partners, said a passport is much more than a simple travel document.</p> <p>“It is a gateway to international opportunities or a barrier to those same opportunities,” Mr Kalin said.</p> <p>“The Henley Passport Index enables individuals to assess where they lie on the spectrum of global mobility and helps governments understand the relative value and power of the passports they provide.”</p> <p>The results are based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association.</p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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Could you be denied surgery with this new test?

<p>A new ‘Frailty Index’ is being developed to assess whether patients qualify for surgery in order to help hospitals minimise ‘futile’ surgeries.</p> <p>The Frailty Index is currently being developed by Melbourne hospitals and will measure how well a person will recover from surgery.</p> <p>The Index is targeted to assess whether an older patient will survive surgery and how long they’ll live after an operation.</p> <p>Anaesthetist and intensive care specialist Dr Jai Darvall from Royal Melbourne Hospital will assess 250 patients before and after surgery to observe the factors that influence accurately providing an assessment of a person’s suitability for surgery.</p> <p>The test follows the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) urging doctors and families to be open about the benefits of proposed surgery.</p> <p>The Frailty Index will indicate who may be beyond help and who could benefit.</p> <p>“You could have a really fit 80-year-old who is running marathons who poses less of a surgical risk than a 60-year-old frail person,” said Dr Darvall.</p> <p>“As you get older you accumulate deficits and that might be some comorbidities (such as) heart disease, lung disease, it might be problems with hearing or vision, problems with mobility, a person’s gait or arthritis, or not being able to do the stuff they used to.”</p> <p>“One by one, these things start to mount up and eventually they reach a threshold where you say a person is frail," Dr Darvall added.</p> <p>“It means that recovery is much harder and people are more likely to go on to poorer recovery, perhaps not getting back home or not getting back to functional independence,” Dr Darvall concluded.</p> <p>“In the end what we are aiming for with anaesthesia and surgery is to improve somebody’s quality of life — it is not just about quantity, it is about quality,” said ANZCA president Professor David Scott. “And that means taking on board people’s own views and expectations and what they want to achieve."</p> <p>Professor Scott added, “We are fixated on this idea that if there is a small chance of surviving then it is a success. But that may not be the case. It could be three months relatively pain free, highly-mobile quality of life compared to six months following a major operation with a long drawn out recovery, most likely some complications, and actually never getting back to that good quality life you expected.”</p> <p>What do you think of this Frailty Index? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Caring

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10 safest countries for seniors to visit

<p>Barely a day seems to pass without reading a new story about a location that’s been compromised by a natural disaster or civil unrest. It’s almost enough to put you off travelling in the first place! But don’t let this be a roadblock to your sense of adventure. There are still plenty of destinations around the world that are safe for seniors to visit.</p> <p>Vision for Humanity, a project formed by the Institute for Economics &amp; Peace, has released its annual Global Peace Index, a scale that ranks the countries of the world by degrees of “safeness”. The rankings are determined by factors like police and security personnel, presence of nuclear weapons and political instability.</p> <p><strong>To see which countries topped the rankings, scroll through the gallery above</strong>. There are quite a few desirable locations, among the safest countries for seniors to visit.</p> <p>What do you make of the rankings? Were you surprised by any?</p> <p><em><strong>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-insurance/?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=travel-insurance" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">To arrange a quote, click here.</span></a> For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966.</strong></em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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Understanding the All Ordinaries index can give you a financial leg up

<p>You’ve probably seen the All Ordinaries Index quoted in a countless numbers of news reports over the years and never thought twice about it.</p> <p>But even if you don’t have a Masters in Finance, understanding this index, and the information it is trying to convey to you can give you an investment edge.</p> <p>But first, what is the All Ordinaries Index?</p> <p>Well, to put it in basic terms, the All Ordinaries is a measurement of the movement of share values which have been traded on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).</p> <p>So you can basically look at the All Ordinaries as a basic indicator of how the share market is performing and what the current trends are. The figure displayed by the All Ordinaries will reflect economic events and situations which the share market has reacted to, and in this sense it can be thought of as a reflection of the health of the economy.</p> <p>So, how is the All Ordinaries calculated?</p> <p>Well basically, without looking at the complicated mathematical formulas that go into the figure, the All Ordinaries is calculated by examining the market value of the 300 companies that are represented in the All Ordinaries Index portfolio.</p> <p>The portfolio is updated monthly, and to be included a company must maintain an average turnover on the ASX of at least 0.5 per cent of its quotes shares per month and have a market value of at least 0.2 per cent of all domestic equities quoted on the ASX.</p> <p>The All Ordinaries takes this data, interprets it through a formula and creates a figure that’s designed to represent the overall health of the market.</p> <p>So how can this index help me?</p> <p>Well, basically if you have a superannuation fund you’ve got some skin in the game, so to speak, and it’s useful to see how the stocks are performing.</p> <p>Tat being said, Wealth For Life Financial Planning principal Rex Whitford told News.com.au your focus on an index depends on your investment earnings. “If you reinvest your earnings back into the market instead of spending them, then an accumulation index is a good guide. One example of this may be within your superannuation if you are still saving and not drawing a pension.”</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/05/australias-5c-coin-could-be-retired/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Australias 5c coin could be retired</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/05/who-to-contact-if-you-have-been-scammed/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Who to contact if you have been scammed</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/04/how-to-prepare-for-volatility-in-the-financial-markets/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>How to prepare for volatility in the financial markets</strong></em></span></a></p>

Money & Banking

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UN release annual quality of life index

<p>New Zealand was ranked equal ninth best country in the in the world for quality of life according to a UN report based on measures including economic, education and life-expectancy data.</p> <p>New Zealand was equal with Canada while our friends across the ditch in Australia were ranked second best. Australia’s “Human Development Index” (HDI) was measured a .935 (out of a possible maximum score of one). This puts Australia second to only Norway which topped the list for 2015, and ahead of Switzerland which came in at third position.</p> <p>The UN base the HDI on what it calls “three basic dimensions of human development, being life expectancy at birth, mean and expected years of schooling and standard of living.</p> <p><strong>The UN Human Development Index International Scorecard:</strong></p> <p>1. Norway</p> <p>2. Australia</p> <p>3. Switzerland</p> <p>4. Denmark</p> <p>5. Netherlands</p> <p>6. Germany</p> <p>7. Ireland</p> <p>8. United States</p> <p>9. =New Zealand</p> <p>9. =Canada</p> <p>11. Singapore</p> <p>Source: UN HDI report, 17/12/2015</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/domestic-travel/2015/11/best-accommodation-in-new-zealand/"><strong>Marlborough town has reputation for best accommodation in New Zealand</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/domestic-travel/2015/10/tips-for-caravanning-with-pets/"><strong>Tips for caravanning with pets</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/domestic-travel/2015/10/hiking-tips-for-beginners/"><strong>15 hiking tips for beginners</strong></a></em></span></p>

Domestic Travel

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