6 Issues Every Senior Will Face and How To Help Them
There are 6 issues every senior will face. Getting older can be scary, whether it’s still far off in the distance or notably getting closer. However, if you have a loved one in their golden years, they are likely already dealing with some complex challenges. Unfortunately, this is a natural part of the aging process. Issues like loneliness and health problems can affect anyone, no matter how old they are.
But when aging starts to affect one’s everyday living circumstances, it may be time to look at outside care with everyday needs.
In this post, we will discuss common problems the elderly face. We will also look at ways we can assist them with these challenges.
Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic health conditions are loosely defined as medical conditions that require ongoing medical attention for a year or more. These conditions often limit day-to-day abilities to some extent. For example, conditions like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease would be considered chronic conditions. Unfortunately they affect many of those suffering from one or more chronic conditions.
The CDC states that 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, while 50% have at least two. Those numbers are shocking. It is even more imperative to support habits that boost healthy lifestyles in the aging population.
Injury and Recovery
6 issues every senior will face and this one can do the most physical damage. Older people are often at a much higher risk of physical injury. This is basic deterioration of the physical body as we age. Things like muscle weakness, joint pain, low bone mass contribute. Other issues can cause difficulty walking and getting around and lead to trips and falls, causing significant injury.
Balance is a huge issue as people navigate their aging bodies. Once you have fallen, the risk is considerably higher that without intervention, you will fall again. Not only is injury more prevalent in the elderly, but recovery also takes much longer.
When we’re young and flexible, we can bounce back pretty quickly, especially because our bones are also more flexible and stronger. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and physical and occupational therapy are preventative measures. The importance of a healthy physical body can prevent injury as older adults.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health is a massive part of our overall health, just as much as our physical health is. And it’s imperative to take steps toward addressing mental health, particularly in older adults. Family members as well as caretakers must be aware of any changes.
Older people face chronic conditions, deteriorating cognitive function, losing family members, and loneliness when living alone: their mental health is severely affected.
Even conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia have symptoms such as increased anxiety and depression, which tacks on the issue of mental health on top of an already terrible condition.
Therefore, doctors as well as facilities have become more educated and well-versed in navigating the mental health landscape. They often treat depression, anxiety, and other behavioral issues triggered in our old age. By offering more support in the form of physical activity, social functions, and counseling therapy, mental health can improve in the elderly. But it’s essential to make it a priority.
Loss of Hearing and Sight
Even individuals in good health can find that their hearing and vision can decline as we age. To combat this, senior can turn to technology. There are APPS that can be used to stream hearing aides. Larger fonts often make it much easier on those whose eye sight might be failing. There is plenty of reading materials in facilities that use large fonts; they can also install good sound systems with microphones, so people don’t miss announcements. Luckily, health insurance and Medicare will cover eye exams, glasses, and hearing aids to help manage hearing and vision loss. Also, vitamins A, E, and C all contribute significantly to eyesight health and, if taken early enough, can help offset those symptoms.
Poor Oral Health
Oral health is one of the most overlooked issues in the elderly for many reasons. A family history of poor teeth can lead to poor oral health as we age, especially as people become unable or inefficient at caring for their teeth. People may also lose dental coverage after they retire and just not try to make it a priority. Sadly, other factors contributing to poor oral hygiene include chronic conditions like mouth cancer, dry mouth, and gum disease.
Dental care and physical health should go hand in hand with older adults because poor teeth can also lead to other issues. After all, our mouths are a core element to gut health and overall wellbeing. Interestingly enough, according to the CDC, almost a quarter of adults over 65 don’t have their natural teeth. This is one option to avoid further oral health issues, but the older people get, the harder it can be to get dental work done and to maintain a healthy mouth, even with dentures.
Bladder Control
Unfortunately, urinary incontinence and loss of bladder control are pretty common in older adults. It happens for many reasons, such as having weak pelvic floor muscles and weak bladder muscles. Also, enlarged prostates, nerve damage from chronic illnesses, or simply just not being able to make it to the bathroom in time.
The good thing is a lot of things that can be done to help. There are new remedies now, with a series of therapies targeting incontinence. For example, pelvic floor exercises, lifestyles, diet changes, and timed bathroom visits can help manage bladder control and avoid accidents.
It happens to the best of us and should be taken care of at the first sign of any issue. Most importantly, talk to your doctor, family member or caretaker. It will only turn into a bigger problem if you don’t face it head on.
Understanding Problems the Elderly Face
The 6 issues that every senior face can seem like typical “old people problems.” Inevitably they will affect all of us one day. It is essential to know how to prevent, handle, and prepare for them.
A healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, enough sleep, and physical activities are all proven to help lessen the severity of the aging process. These are also known to prevent serious ailments. Among them are heart attack, high blood pressure, managing blood sugar, and other medical conditions.
For those facing these health concerns, or those with loved ones requiring help with these conditions, Platinum Select Care is here to help. We will evaluate your needs and find you the right caregiver to make sure your golden years, truly are!