Question: You usually write about legal concerns, but I would like your opinion on a medical issue. I am getting older but still feel like I am in relatively good health. Every now and then when I see my doctor, I might ask about achy knees or tell him that I am more tired than usual. He usually responds by saying that it is to be expected as we age or, worse yet, he tries to give me a prescription! I know things are changing in the medical world and I wish my doctor would take a more proactive approach to keeping me healthy rather than writing me a prescription to treat aches or pain. Am I unrealistic to think that I can age better if I have access to the right medical advice?

Answer: As a senior advocate, I am open to addressing all types of senior concerns and healthy aging is at the top of my list of interests. Thank you for the question! You are right to be dissatisfied if your doctor responds that aches and fatigue should be expected as we age. There are literally daily advances being made in the anti-aging field and gaining access to the best and most researched wellness practices is essential for all of us if we want to stay healthy for as long as possible. I believe we can all agree that spending our last 10 or 20 years chronically ill before dying is an expensive nightmare we should all strive to avoid.

Over the past 25 years, leading scientists and clinicians have been researching and developing ways to personalize medicine based on a patients specific needs. Research shows the critical influence that diet, nutrition, lifestyle choices and environmental toxins have on the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimers and cancer. Anti-aging or functional medicine doctors recognize the importance of establishing a patient-empowered health care system centered on prevention, early intervention of disease and optimal wellness throughout life rather than focusing on post-diagnosis, pharmaceutical-based care later in life when chronic illnesses may have already gained a foothold.

The Institute of Functional Medicine is a global organization seeking to advance Functional Medicine by partnering with academic medical centers, hospitals, universities, technology companies and our everyday doctors. You can find a list of functional practitioners at their website: IMF.org. David Sinclair, Ph.D., a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, has been researching aging for more than 20 years and recently released a book, Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Dont Have To. Sinclair proposes that aging is a disease and, as such, is treatable and preventable. Also, self-proclaimed biohacker, Dave Asprey, recently released Superhuman: The Bulletproof Plan to Age Backward and Maybe Even Live Forever. Aspreys book is an easier read on the topic of anti-aging but, both books pave the way toward a new way to view aging.

We are right to question our doctors advice if we feel it is not addressing the problem and only treating symptoms. Our health is our greatest asset just ask anyone who is no longer healthy! Keep researching, reading, learning and be open to the possibility that through exercise, correct nutrition and personalized medicine it may be possible to stay healthy much longer.

Liza Horvath has over 30 years experience in the estate planning and trust fields and is a Licensed Professional Fiduciary. Liza currently serves as president of Monterey Trust Management. This is not intended to be legal or tax advice. If you have a question, call (831)646-5262 or email liza@montereytrust.com

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Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate: Age better with the right medical attention - Monterey Herald