Gout is a painful condition that affects many seniors, often leading to long-term health complications if not managed properly. As the aging population grows, it’s becoming an increasing concern in Australia, with many unaware of the risk factors and preventive measures. This article explores the impact of gout on seniors, the latest statistics, and practical steps for prevention and treatment to help improve quality of life.
Gout: Growing Health Concern for Seniors
Gout is a painful and debilitating condition that can significantly impact the quality of life for seniors in Australia. It can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and increased risk of falls. Gout can also cause other health problems, such as kidney damage, if left untreated. In addition, seniors with gout are more likely to have other health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Here’s some food for thought about the gout threat affecting elderly Australians. In June 2024, the AIHW covered data from the 2022 ABS National Health Survey which tagged 224,000 people in Australia – 0.9 per cent of the total population – as having been diagnosed with gout. When broken down by age groups, the report pointed out that men and women over 85 years old had the highest hospitalisation rates per 100,000 population – at 208.7 for principal diagnosis, capping a steady increase for both sexes starting 65-69 years old at 45.4 per 100,000 hospitalisations.
The 2021-2022 data from the National Hospital Morbidity Database pointed out 7,100 hospitalisations with principal gout diagnosis during that period – at a rate of 27 per 100,000 population. Sadly, gout was tagged as an underlying or associated cause of death in 573 cases tallied in 2022, with the mortality rate at 1.6 per 100,000 population.
The AIHW’s Australian Burden of Disease Study 2023 tallied gout as accounted for 0.1 per cent of the total disease burden in 2023, in terms of disability-adjusted life years, 0.2 per cent of non-fatal burden through years lived with disability or YLD, and under 0.01 per cent of fatal burden in terms of years of life lost or YLL.
Take note as well that gout can be hereditary; writing for The Conversation, UNSW professor Andrew Brown and Macquarie University researcher Amy Nguyen said genetics can help identify the potential for high urate levels in your blood.
Steps to Prevent Gout in Seniors
Prevention is the best way to manage gout in seniors, and the following are several steps seniors can take to prevent gout attacks.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Seniors who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop gout. Losing weight can help reduce the risk of gout. Any gout situation may be your opening to undertake more strenuous exercise – CreakyJoints states that body fat has higher concentrations of uric acid than muscles, and burning that may reduce the incidence of a gout attack.
Drinking plenty of water
Drinking water helps flush uric acid from the body, reducing the risk of gout every time you urinate. For constant hydration, bring a refillable water bottle with you and just drink.
Eating a healthy diet
Seniors should eat a diet low in purines, which are found in red meat, seafood, and alcohol – according to Arthritis Australia, that list even includes anything with yeast or yeast extract, meaning Vegemite – every Aussie’s noted staple – is off your menu. A gout treatment diet will also include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoiding alcohol
Alcohol can increase the risk of gout in seniors. They should limit their alcohol consumption (as per government guidelines) or avoid it altogether.
Effective Treatments for Managing Gout in Seniors
If a senior develops gout, there are several treatments available to manage the symptoms and prevent future attacks.
Medications
Medications can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with gout. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are often used to treat gout attacks. In addition, the National Pharmacy Service recommends that medications such as allopurinol and febuxostat can be used to prevent future gout attacks, especially acute cases. Allopurinol, in particular, inhibits xanthine oxidase which produces uric acid; Febuxostat is prescribed if a gout patient has adverse reactions to allopurinol.
Lifestyle changes
Seniors with gout should make lifestyle changes to prevent future attacks. They should eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid alcohol. Regular exercise can also help manage gout symptoms. If losing weight is recommended as part of your gout treatment programme, Arthritis Australia recommends that a weight-loss component be undertaken gradually and not resort to crash diets.
Rest and elevation
During a gout attack, seniors should rest and elevate the affected joint to reduce swelling and pain.
Ice and heat therapy
Ice and heat therapy can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with gout. The team at Musculoskeletal Australia said a gout attack may be countered by applying an ice pack to the affected joint. Heat therapy, such as a warm bath, can help relax the muscles and reduce stiffness.
Footwear changes
Seniors with gout should wear comfortable shoes with good support. They should avoid tight-fitting shoes, high heels, and shoes with pointed toes. Some Aussie shoe manufacturers such as Cosyfeet and the Foot and Ankle Clinic offer special shoes to account for your gout condition.
Gout is often labelled as “the disease of kings” because of sheer indulgence by royals throughout history. It doesn’t have to hit you and effective prevention and treatment will help you steer clear.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage is a flexible financial solution designed specifically for seniors, allowing them to unlock the value of their home equity to fund important expenses, such as medical treatments.
Call the A.S.A.G. team at 1300 002 724 or email to info@asagfirst.com.au to discuss how to finance your gout-treatment programme.
Use our equity assessment tool below to calculate your home equity.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace or supersede official medical advice. The Australian Seniors Advantage Group has no relationships with any company or organisation mentioned in this article, nor endorse any product or service. Please consult your GP for your gout treatment solutions.
You can also dial the National Arthritis and Back Pain+ Help Line at 1800 263 265.