These findings, say the researchers, suggest that women would perceive a hip fracture as worse than breast cancer, a heart attack or mild osteoarthritis. Any loss of ability to live independently in the community has significant detrimental effect on their quality of life, say the authors, and four-fifths would prefer to be dead than admitted to a nursing home with a hip fracture. Any interventions, say the researchers, that can reduce the likelihood of falls and injury in older women will not only save lives but will prevent a significant reduction in their quality of life. See related articles in the AgeVenture archives. As millions and millions of baby boomer men enter late adulthood, both interest and controversy surrounding prostate health continues.
Some studies report that enlarged prostate is a sign of pathology.
Other studies report that the increase is a normal process of human aging. Nevertheless, the fact that the experts don't always agree is no comfort for men concerned about their health status in later life. Our study shows that the best predictor of growth is the PSA level. The PSA test, the routine indicator of prostate cancer and enlarged prostate, defines prostate volume by measuring the amount of protein produced by prostate cells. If a man's PSA level is high, he has more prostate cells, indicating growth of his prostate.