Join the Docs - Aged to Perfection: Growing Old - It Beats the Alternative!

Aged to Perfection: Growing Old - It Beats the Alternative!

Explicit content warning

06/11/24 • 27 min

Join the Docs

In this rollicking episode of Join The Docs, our esteemed gerontology gurus, Dr. Nigel Guest and Professor Jonathan Sackier, dive headfirst into the laughter lines of the ageing population. They don't just skim the surface; they go deep, exploring the socio-economic implications of a world where the average age keeps increasing.

What is the impact of ageing on the community? As they dissect the burden on society and the economy, they don't just give it to you straight – they serve it up with a side of laugh-out-loud old fashioned humour. Dr. Guest and Professor Sackier don't just offer recommendations for maintaining health in the golden years; they provide the blueprint to become a silver fox or vixen!

What can you expect? The Docs cover the gamut, from the critical importance of regular health check-ups – because let's face it, your body is starting to have more issues than a celebrity gossip magazine – to the art of foot care, which is less about pedicures and more about making sure your toes don't look like they've walked through the Middle Ages.

Napping isn't just for toddlers anymore, folks. Why is it so important? Our dynamic duo explains why catching some Z's in the afternoon can be the secret ingredient for graceful ageing. And when it comes to maintaining good hearing and eyesight, it’s more than just eating your carrots and avoiding loud noises...

Is sex good for old bones? Hold onto your dentures, because The Docs also highlight the unexpected benefits of sexual activity for health, and let's just say they don't beat around the bush. They also tackle the dangers of smoking, and stress the need for mental stimulation – because your brain needs a workout too, and no, watching soap operas doesn't count.

It’s okay not to be okay. Dr. Guest and Professor Sackier then move onto the importance of seeking help and taking care of your mental health, no matter your age. They discuss how maintaining a positive mental state is crucial for enjoying a fulfilling and active life in your later years.

Combining sage advice with a barrel of laughs, this episode is a guide to ageing like a fine cheese – slightly stinky but ultimately a delicacy. Tune in, laugh out loud, and smile with your teeth (whilst you’ve still got them).

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on Join the Docs are those of Dr. Nigel Guest, Jonathan Sackier and other people on our show. Be aware that Join the Docs is not intended to be medical advice, it is for information and entertainment purposes only - please, always take any health concerns to your doctor or other healthcare provider.

We respect the privacy of patients and never identify individuals unless they have consented. We may change details, dates, place names and so on to protect privacy. Listening to Join the Docs, interacting on our social media, emailing or writing to us does not establish a doctor patient relationship.

To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

Previous Episode

Fake Diseases - Sickness or Silliness?

Welcome, dear listeners, to the newest episode of Join The Docs with your favourite medical history buff, Professor Jonathan Sackier, and the ever-erudite Doctor Nigel Guest. Today, with a few sick jokes along the way, they're diving head first into the wild world of diseases, both the bone-a-fide and the baloney!

What is the strangest disease you've never heard of? Professor Sackier starts things off with a dramatic reading from the Encyclopaedia of Obscure Ailments, setting the stage for a journey through the annals of ail-ment and ail-mess nomenclature. Dr. Guest observes that fake disease merchants have got it in for him....or did he mean in for me?

As The Docs dissect the classification and history of diseases, the duo emphasises the absolute, unassailable, and sometimes comically complex importance of precise medical terminology. They regale us with tales of conditions so rare that they might as well be unicorn illnesses. Not that unicorns have ever visited Dr. Guest's practice, but our Professor definitely believes they exist!

Can you tell the difference between a real disease and a fake one? The conversation takes a turn for the surreal as they explore the distinction between real and fake diseases. Professor Sackier warns of the dangers of faux maladies, dramatically pausing before revealing the notorious "mauve factor disease," which he insists is not just a purple patch in medical history.

Have you ever heard of "Paranoia About Paranoia"? Dr. Guest chimes in with a cautionary tale about this condition that has patients obsessively washing their hands. The two marvel at the absurdity but soberly remind us of the necessity of evidence-based medicine.

How do fake diseases affect real patients? As they wrap up, our hosts underscore the ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals to steer clear of endorsing the medical equivalent of urban legends. The Docs paint a vivid picture of the potential harm to patients, with Professor Sackier lamenting the rise of "Therapeutic Tarot Reading" and Dr. Guest bemoaning the latest fad, "Quantum Healing Crystals." Well, maybe not that extreme - but do listen all the way through!

To finish The Docs urge listeners to stay informed, stay sceptical, and, above all, to keep laughing. And remember, if you ever find yourself getting paranoid about the diseases you think you may have, don't hesitate to see a medical professional. They’ll set you straight.

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

Next Episode

In Treble? John Oates Joins the Docs

This key-rrific episode of Join The Docs features the ever-curious Professor Jonathan Sackier flying solo, sitting down without his usual sidekick Doctor Nigel Guest who is taking his own medicine and having a holiday.. This time, he's joined by the legendary John Oates. Yes, you heard it right—John Oates, the moustached marvel from the iconic duo Hall & Oates. Not only is he in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but he's also a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and all-around cool guy. They sit down to talk all things music and medicine, with a hint of laughter.

What sparks the conversation? Oates, dives straight into the nitty-gritty of his sixth solo album, “Reunion." This isn't just any album. Inspired by a whirlwind of personal life events, "Reunion" is a rollercoaster of emotions, melodies, and collaborations with some of the music industry's finest. Oates regales us with tales of jam sessions, spontaneous songwriting when the radar is alerted by life events - check out the story of a girl in cowboy boots and a pink tutu!
At the heart of the episode, the emotional story behind the album's title track. Oates opens up about his ageing father, painting a vivid picture of a man who has seen it all and then some. The song is a poignant reflection on life's horizons, filled with realisations that hit harder than a double espresso on a Monday morning. Oates' storytelling is so vivid, you can almost see the twinkle in his father's eye and feel the weight of the years gone by.

What’s Oates’ secret to maintaining his vocal health? John shares his secret weapons, gargling, humidity, yoga and not talking to our resident Professor!. And let's not forget the physical challenges he's faced—two rotator cuff surgeries, folks! Oates recounts the gruelling physical therapy sessions with a humour that makes you almost wish you were there, cheering him on from the sidelines. Hip Hop, Hooray!

Wait a minuet! Why is the healing power of music so important to Oates? To rap it up, Oates passionately discusses how strumming a guitar or belting out a tune can mend a broken spirit faster than any doctor-prescribed remedy. Oates means treble, emphasising the importance of physical therapy post-surgery, sharing anecdotes of his therapist who, according to Oates, has the hands of an angel and the motivational skills of a drill sergeant. He also tells us of the people he has worked with, a veritable who’s who of the music business. And talking of Who, his recent duet with Roger Daltrey was to help those living with teen cancer.

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

So, why should you buckle up and get ready for a wild ride? This episode of Join The Docs is filled with laughter, tears, and a whole lot of rock and roll wisdom. This episode is not one to miss, it’s hitting all the right notes – from heartstrings to guitar strings! And careful listeners could win a special prize identifying surreptitious song titles hidden in the episode....