Firstly, what is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone condition that affects over one million Australians. The disease makes bones brittle, which means a higher risk of fractures and breaks compared with normal bone.

Firstly, what is asthma?

Asthma is a disease of the airways – which transport air into our lungs. When somebody is experiencing asthma, it may be difficult to breathe in and out. At other times, an asthmatic can have completely normal breathing. Most asthmatics have permanently inflamed airways (if they’re not using preventative medicines) and at certain times, the airways will become tight/constricted so there is less space to breathe through.

Firstly, what exactly is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the body’s joints. Structural changes occur within a joint or across several joints which causes pain and loss of function. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage (a smooth cushioning substance) on the ends of the bones becomes permanently
damaged. Our joints are exposed to low levels of stress and damage throughout our lives and while our body can mostly repair this damage, sometimes damage cannot be fully repaired.

Firstly, what exactly is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is a common disorder of the heart’s rhythm, characterised by a rapid and irregular heartbeat.  In sufferers of atrial fibrillation the electrical signals that control heartbeat are abnormal. The disturbance in electrical signals can cause the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria to beat so fast that the lower chambers (the ventricles) cannot keep up and the heart cannot beat in a co-ordinated way.  Loss of co-ordination results in an erratic irregular and rapid heart rate which can range from between 100-180 beats per minute (normal its 60-100 beats per minute).

Firstly, what exactly is Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a disorder affecting the pancreas and our ability to metabolise carbohydrates.   It is a progressive condition where the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin, the hormone that is released to reduce blood glucose levels in response to eating carbohydrates, particularly simple sugars. Type 2 diabetes can also occur as a result of the body’s capacity to produce insulin by the pancreas being diminished.

Firstly what exactly is a coronary angioplasty?

A coronary angioplasty is a medical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart and treats coronary heart disease.   During a coronary angioplasty, a balloon is inserted into the affected coronary arteries and inflated, thereby opening up narrowed arteries to improve blood flow to the heart.

A coronary angioplasty is not a cure for coronary heart disease – instead it improves blood flow to areas of the heart that are affected by narrow or clogged arteries.  The deposition of plaque can occur in other arteries of the heart or around the angioplasty site, thus vigilance in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important.

Firstly, what is a joint replacement?

A joint replacement involves surgically removing parts of a joint which are arthritic or damaged.  The damaged joint is replaced with a plastic, metal or ceramic device, called a prothesis, which replicates the movement of a normal healthy joint.

Often a joint replacement will reduce pain and provide a better quality of life for a patient.

Replacement joint surgery can be performed all over the body – for example, ankles, wrists and shoulders, however the most commonly performed joint replacements are the knee and the hip.

There are no dubious hostels, stringent budgets or full-time jobs nagging for your return. Seniors are free to enjoy world travel just as much as – if not more than – travellers many years younger.

Sure, as a senior traveller you may face certain limitations: you’re not as mobile as used to be, for example. But this means only that you travel differently as a senior; it in no way means you don’t travel at all!

From seniors travel insurance to mobility and more, we’ve put together our top travel tips for 55 plus adults. Because what are your retirement years for if not a little (more) global discovery?

Learn more »

Planning a trip to the slopes? Whether for the first or the fifteenth time, preparing your perfect snowboarding holiday can be quite the mountainous task – simply because there’s so much involved.

You’ll want to choose a ski resort that can best serve your snow holiday interests and snowboarding ability. You’ll want accommodation that caters to both your ideal and budget, and you’ll want to be properly covered with the best travel insurance for snowboarding, as well as with layers of adequate snow gear – but what else?

Learn more »

Firstly, what exactly is high blood pressure (hypertension)?

The term “blood pressure” refers to the pressure that our blood exerts as it presses on the walls of our arteries as the heart pumps blood around the body. Maintaining this pressure is vital for both our circulation and our heart function. High blood pressure is also referred to as “hypertension”.

Blood pressure varies naturally throughout the day depending on what you’re doing and the position of your body, for example sitting or standing.

Learn more »