Common Elderly Health Care Issues
Aging can bring a whole slew of medical conditions. Explore some of the most common elderly health care issues to be aware of.
Research shows that there are 47.8 million adults aged 65 and older in the United States, a group that equals roughly 15% of the country's total population.
As we age, medical conditions that weren't there beforehand can suddenly appear. At the same time, chronic and ongoing conditions tend to worsen with time.
Whether you're preparing to enter those golden years yourself or you're looking after a parent or another loved one who's in this season of life, read on. Today, we're sharing a few of the most common elderly health care concerns that plague older adults. Knowledge is key to handling these issues with ease and care.
Ready to learn more? Let's dive in.
1. Cognitive Health Decline
It's no secret that older people tend to have a more difficult time remembering and learning new skills than their younger peers. Of all the cognitive health issues that they might face, the most common is dementia. This is a general term used to describe a range of diseases and conditions that contribute to a decline in language, memory, problem-solving and other thinking skills.
While nearly 50 million adults are currently faced with the disease, that number is expected to triple by 2050. Alzheimer's Disease is a form of dementia. This is a progressive disease that destroys a person's memory, along with other key cognitive functions.
In addition to aging, there are other conditions that can catalyze an onset of dementia in older adults. These include:
Substance abuse
Smoking
Hypertension
Depression
Diabetes
There is currently no cure for dementia. However, physicians can recommend a treatment plan and certain medications that can help sufferers manage the disease to the greatest extent possible.
2. Falls
Studies show that one in four older adults will experience a fall every year. Data also reveals that one senior will visit the emergency room every 11 seconds following a fall-related injury.
The bottom line? Falls are serious, and they're the leading cause of death among the elderly.
What makes this population so susceptible? As we age, our bones shrink over time. While this is happening, our muscle tone also diminishes, along with our flexibility. All of these factors combined make older adults less balanced and more prone to disorientation.
Older adults are especially vulnerable to falls if their bones are more brittle. There are two conditions, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, which can lead to a thinner and frailer bone structure. Yet, even adults without these issues can still experience a fall.
The best way to stay as safe as possible? Encourage physical activity, educate yourself on common fall risks, and modify your home as required to eliminate any hazards.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Abbreviated IBS, irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that can lead to a host of gastrointestinal issues, including:
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Bloating
Diarrhea
Because it is a functional digestion disorder, IBS is often triggered by changes in a person's digestive system, rather than by a specific disease. For instance, if someone was just treated for an intestinal infection before IBS symptoms began occurring, IBS can occur promptly afterward.
For this reason, IBS and intestinal parasites are often linked together. However, it's important to note that while the signs and symptoms of parasites can mimic those of IBS, it's important to get checked out by your physician. A serious parasitic infection could go misdiagnosed if someone simply writes it off as being IBS.
One article by Microbe Formulas describes what to look for in such an infection. In the article, Parasites: Types, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment, parasites are often the cause of irritable bowel syndrome and autoimmune diseases.
4. Oral Health
While it often goes overlooked, oral health is one issue that the elderly should not fail to prioritize. Recent research shows that more than 27% of seniors do not have their natural teeth. From cavities to tooth decay, there are myriad reasons why this is the case.
Still, the issue can quickly escalate from a purely physical one to a mental one. Tooth loss can lead to low self-esteem, malnutrition, and other concerns. In addition to tooth loss, other oral health issues that elderly adults face include:
Gum disease
Dry mouth
Oral cancer
Want to get ahead of these conditions and prevent them as much as possible? Make sure to attend your bi-annual dental checkups! Your dentist can spot early signs and symptoms and help you reverse them as much as possible.
5. Malnutrition
From depression and alcoholism to isolation and income limitations, there are myriad reasons why older adults often experience malnutrition. The most challenging part of all? The signs of this health condition are often difficult to detect, meaning that they go unnoticed for a period of time.
During that time, malnutrition can lead to a host of other medical concerns, including a compromised immune system and muscle loss. Have you noticed these signs in your aging loved one? While it's tempting to introduce a ton of food and encourage them to feast on it, remember that small changes can make a big impact.
Begin by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diet. At the same time, cut back saturated fat, sodium, and other damaging, empty calories. If food accessibility or cost is the issue, look into community resources designed to alleviate this strain.
Educate Yourself on Elderly Health Care Today
Health care is an individual journey and one that changes as we get older.
Whether you're currently entering your senior years or you know someone who is, it's important to stay on top of these elderly health care issues. Knowing the signs and what to look for can make all the difference in timely and effective treatment and prevention.
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