- On the International Day of Older Persons, Dr. José Gutiérrez, a geriatrician at the Ribera Covadonga Hospital and president of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Society of Asturias, recommends exercise, a healthy diet, activities such as reading, and socializing.
- He emphasizes the importance of annual vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcus, and the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine should be added "for those elderly people who live in nursing homes or have chronic illnesses."
Life expectancy in Spain is one of the highest in Europe: 84 years on average in 2024. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), in 2035, life expectancy at birth would reach 82,5 years for men and 87,4 for women. In 2073, these figures will rise to 86 years for men and 90 for women. Dr. José Gutiérrez Rodríguez is one of the most recognized faces in Geriatrics in Spain and consults at the hospital. Ribera Covadonga (Gijón), is a member of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology and full member of the Royal Academy of Medicine of AsturiasHe has received numerous research awards and more than 90 scientific publications, and on the International Day of Older Persons, he delivers a message that fits perfectly with the increase in life expectancy in Spain: "Age alone is not synonymous with illness; healthy aging is achieved through healthy habits."
Geriatrics is the medical specialty that focuses on the comprehensive care of older adults, with a holistic approach that integrates clinical, mental, cognitive, and social aspects, and allows for the design of therapeutic plans tailored to each individual. Dr. Gutiérrez explains that this specialty complements the work of the Family Physician. “We make the diagnosis and the treatment plan, and the family doctor implements and monitors it, as they would any other specialist,” he explains. In this case, with the perspective of someone who cares for patients with various pathologies. “Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus or poorly treated atrial fibrillation arrhythmia accelerate cognitive decline, for example. And in turn, cognitive decline makes it difficult to manage these diseases,” he asserts. “Geriatricians adjust treatments so they don't interfere with each other.”
When faced with questions about when to see a geriatrician, Dr. Gutiérrez assures that "there is no exact age, but there are clear signs. Starting at age 80, and especially if you have multiple illnesses, mood or memory problems, or physical difficulties such as gait disturbances or falls. This is also true when symptoms such as urinary incontinence or memory loss appear." "These problems always reflect a pathology and should be evaluated, regardless of age," he adds.
Tips to live longer and better
The geriatrician at Ribera Covadonga Hospital explains that "healthy aging is built on healthy habits." And he offers some very specific guidelines, for example, regarding physical activity. "It should be daily and multi-component: walking isn't enough. You have to incorporate strength exercises to maintain muscle mass, balance exercises to prevent falls, and flexibility exercises," he asserts.
Regarding the foundation of a diet for older adults, Dr. Gutiérrez explains that it should be composed of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and dairy products, accompanied by protein, primarily from fish and poultry. "And avoid ultra-processed foods and toxic habits like smoking, or taking unnecessary medication," he adds.
She also emphasizes the importance of "keeping the mind active with cognitive-stimulating activities, such as reading," but also connecting with others: socializing and conversing with others is key. "The aging process should be accepted as something natural and enjoyed, nurturing connections with family and friends. It's a way to preserve mental and emotional health."
The future of the older population
In Dr. Gutiérrez's opinion, every hospital should have a Geriatrics Department. "It helps adapt treatments to the patient's real needs, reduces risks, and increases survival, while decreasing resource consumption and hospital stays, which benefits both the patient and the healthcare system," he explains. "A notable advance is transversal Geriatrics: collaboration with other specialties—cardiology, traumatology, oncology, hematology, and surgery—to make joint decisions tailored to each patient," he asserts.
And he concludes with a reflection on society's view of old age. "Current stereotypes of perfection are associated with eternal youth, and this leads us to have a negative view of old age. Older people have experience and can guide us; we should respect them and accept that we all age. Only in this way will we be able to build a more just society, one that is more prepared for the great demographic challenge."
