Dr. Susan Coetzer – specialist geriatrician and specialist physician

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Susan Coetzer, who is a specialist geriatrician and specialist physician in private practice. She is vice-president of the South African Geriatrics Society. Human life expectancy is on the rise, in part thanks to healthier lifestyles and improved medical care. In South Africa male life expectancy is 59 and females 65. As people progress through various life stages they have different needs, with health taking a higher priority. The five main ailments affecting older people include: osteoporosis, dementia and brain disorders, iatrogenesis, incontinence and delirium. Aging women tend to be at higher risk of osteoporosis, frailty and dementia. To help reduce the risks of age-related conditions Dr. Coetzer recommends staying physically active, stimulating your mind, and limiting your intake of alcohol and smoking – your future self will always thank you. Tune in for more…