Common Elderly Health Issue

As we age, our bodies also undergo tons of changes that can either be beneficial or destructive for our daily routine. From maturing physically, mentally and even psychologically until we reach the point where it weakens and even be totally impaired.

Nowadays, a lot of health conditions are widely known that is usually present in those who are at a late age. But what really are the most common health problems they encounter?

Cognitive Decline

Forgetfulness is really common when you reach the age 60 and above, or sometimes even in the younger age. We sometimes even find it funny whenever we come across someone who usually forgets things and takes it as a joke whenever it is repeatedly done. But if we take a closer look, we might find out that this simple forgetfulness can be totally alarming. This is because forgetfulness could sometimes lead to a more complex memory blur until it becomes total memory loss or dementia.

Based on statistics, there are over 47.5 million people around the world who already have dementia and this already large count is expected to rise higher by the year 2050. Also, one of the leading cause of death in several parts of the country is caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive declining problems. 

Immobilization

With the aging body and changes undergone by their bones, elderlies are at high risk when it comes to mobility problems. Due to the brittleness and low dense bone structure, they tend to have a hard time transferring from one walking long distance. They usually suffer pain in the joints or bones, sometimes even stiffness. 

Commonly, immobilization is caused by disease such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis, rheumatism or even Parkinson’s; a disease of the elderly that affects the nervous system that causes tremors, shaking, difficulty in mobilizing and poor balance.

Physical Injuries

Accidents are high risk in an age like this who are suffering from brittle bones and poor balance. From simple bruises to major injuries like fractures of broken bones caused by tripping/slipping or falling from a high position. These accidents have to lead to an increasingly serious number that requires emergency care & urgent hospitalizations.

Cardiovascular diseases

These include conditions that affect the structure or function of the heart which is commonly present in an aging body and can also be caused by another health problem that targets the heart. Some examples are coronary heart disease or heart attack, cardiovascular disease or stroke, hypertension or high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, congenital cardiovascular defect, aneurysms, and etc. Based on research, cardiovascular diseases have the highest “cause of death” rates not only in the country but all over the world.

Obesity and Malnutrition

Weight health problems are not only present at a young age but also in older people. These may be caused by improper diet at an early age, diabetes, high cholesterol or even dementia (forgetting to eat).  

As the number of affected people increases, so does the disease. Malnutrition; can lead to other health issues including muscle weakness and immune system issues. On the other hand, obesity is a health risk factor for heart disease, diabetes or in a worst-case scenario could lead to cancer.

Respiratory Diseases

While other diseases target the heart, some of them affect the lungs and breathing of elderlies such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Mostly the illness is caused by their involvement with cigarettes/tobacco in their early years.

According to the CDC, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the 3rd most common cause of death among people 65 years of age and older, with 124, 693 deaths in 2014. Having chronic respiratory diseases also increases health risk amongst senior citizens, making them vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections.

Sensory Impairments

It is given that the older you get, the lower your senses grow. Usually, your vision gets blurry, you find it odd not hearing them clearly even when they are speaking in front of you, your nose feels dead; making it hard to identify the odor and also you find it hard to taste your food like you usually do when you were younger. Sensory impairment can be seen as the most common and obvious health issue for some adults. They most likely suffer from poor eyesight, hearing impairment and also taste problems. Though others expect to experience these as they age, it is much better for us to try and care for our senses as early as we could to avoid these impairments.

Bladder Control

This may refer to stress incontinence or the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder that places increased pressure on the abdomen. Sometimes it is considered as a side effect of other health issues, such as having a poor diet or a chronic medical condition; but it cannot be prevented. All you can do is to easily manage it by simply exercising regularly, maintaining proper diet and healthy weight and also drink.

Millennium Home Visiting Nurses 

12221 Parklawn Dr. Suite 205
Rockville, MD 20852

Phone: (301) 355-0260
Fax: (301) 355-0262

Mon-Sun: 9:00AM-5:00PM

info@myvisitingrn.com