Insights: Why hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be the key to ageing well

The UAE is on the brink of a significant demographic shift. By 2050, the number of people aged 60 and above will increase more than six-fold from circa 311,000 (3.1 per cent of the total population) in 2020 to 2 million (19.7 per cent).

This rise presents unique challenges and opportunities for our healthcare system, society and economy.

An increasing ageing population necessitates sustainable healthcare solutions to enhance the quality of life for our seniors. As we prepare for this demographic transition, we must focus on proactive and evidence-based medical interventions that can improve the overall wellbeing of older adults.

The goal is not just to extend life but to ensure those additional years are healthy, active, and fulfilling.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cardiac health

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising intervention to address some health challenges associated with ageing. Specifically, a unique HBOT protocol has shown significant potential in improving cardiac perfusion, crucial for maintaining heart health in older adults.

By increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood, this protocol enhances oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, including the heart. This process supports the repair of damaged blood vessels and improves overall cardiovascular function.

Improved physical performance

Enhanced cardiac function through this unique HBOT protocol translates to better physical performance metrics. A recent DP World Aviv Clinics study published in the BioMed Central journal Geriatrics demonstrated that this HBOT protocol could significantly improve VO2 max, anaerobic threshold, and maximal power in older adults.

These improvements in physical performance are directly linked to enhanced cardiac perfusion, providing older adults with greater endurance and strength to engage in daily activities.

Enabling active lifestyles

Improved heart health is pivotal in enabling seniors to lead active lifestyles. Staying active is not just about physical health; it is about maintaining independence, engaging in social activities, and enhancing mental wellbeing. When older adults have the physical capacity to participate in activities they enjoy, their overall quality of life improves significantly.

This shift towards proactive medicine encourages older adults to take control of their ageing experience.

By employing effective, evidence-based interventions like the HBOT protocol before the onset of debilitating age-related diseases, seniors can maintain their independence and vitality longer.

Sustainable healthcare solutions

As we navigate this demographic transition, we must focus on sustainable healthcare solutions that can adapt to the growing needs of our ageing population. Medical advancements like this unique HBOT protocol provide a sustainable approach to healthcare for the elderly by reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and promoting overall well-being.

Proactive interventions like this not only enhance the quality of life for seniors but also reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with treating chronic age-related conditions.

The writer is the medical director at DP World Aviv Clinics