With age comes a lot of health and wellness struggles. Because our bodies become frailer as we grow older, the risk of developing certain health conditions increases substantially.
Following a healthy lifestyle is key to prolonging the degradation of health in retirement. Seniors need to follow a balanced diet, consider beneficial supplements, devote themselves to routine exercise or physical therapy, and take care of their mental wellbeing. In addition to this, it’s also worthwhile to invest in the best medical alert system when managing health as a senior. This innovative system can detect slips and falls, heart attacks, stroke, seizures, and several other health emergencies.
We’ve listed some of the more common health ailments that are prominent among the elderly. Knowing how to identify the earliest signs and symptoms of these conditions is vital for seniors and their loved ones because early identification and treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and uphold the senior quality of life as a direct result.
Cognitive Decline
Even though some memory loss is entirely normal for elderly individuals, developing Alzheimer’s disease is a significant concern. It’s vital to recognize signs of this age-related condition as early intervention and suitable treatment plans are imperative in slowing the disease’s progression. Unfortunately, some statistics show that about one in five seniors is likely to suffer this condition.
The primary signs of Alzheimer’s disease include significant memory loss, social isolation, planning, problem-solving difficulties, difficulty with daily tasks, notable personality shifts, time blindness, and vision problems.
Oral Health Problems
Seniors are more likely to experience tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer as age can degrade oral health. Unfortunately, most seniors eventually need dentures as a result. But even so, prioritizing a suitable oral hygiene routine can significantly reduce the progression of oral health concerns for seniors.
Even so, when oral health issues do become a problem, there are several solutions available. Regular dentures and permanently fixed dentures are popular solutions, while root canals and veneers are also viable for less severe tooth loss concerns.
Heart Disease
Seniors are also at a substantially higher risk of developing heart health conditions like heart disease. So, it’s imperative to take measures to safeguard heart health like snacking healthy, staying active, and following a balanced diet with foods that boost heart health.
The signs of heart disease include chest pains, chest tightness, pain and numbness, and weakness or coldness.
With this, a medical alert system is another way to stay on top of heart health as you age. Because this system can identify a heart attack and immediately send relevant help, seniors can live alone without fear of health-related emergencies.
Osteoarthritis And Osteoporosis
These conditions are associated with the degradation of bone health. It’s estimated that about 54 million seniors have low bone density or osteoporosis.
Fortunately, a balanced diet and health supplements are sufficient solutions to improving bone health as you age. Moreover, physical therapy is also beneficial.
Calcium supplements are the best way to manage bone health over time and avoid the development of these conditions. Even so, you must consult your healthcare practitioner before taking these supplements, as calcium can have adverse effects on health. In rare cases, calcium overdose can lead to heart health concerns. So, it’s wise to consult your doctor before you decide to take any supplements, even if they are natural.
Vision And Hearing Loss
Vision and hearing loss are also prominent conditions in the senior community. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to reverse these instances, although early identification is enough to improve quality of life.
The best approach to safeguarding vision and hearing health is to prioritize eye and hearing exams once a year.
Respiratory Disease
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also become increasingly concerning with age. These respiratory ailments tend to worsen over time. Fortunately, there’s a variety of medications available, and bi-annual health checkups are essential for early identification.
Flu And Pneumonia
Influenza and pneumonia are more concerning for older individuals because seniors typically have weaker immune systems. For this reason, it was imperative to protect the elderly during the covid19 pandemic.
But even so, regular flu strains and the risk of pneumonia are still prominent even though the pandemic’s end is finally in sight. Seniors need to supplement to strengthen their immune systems. Moreover, following a healthy diet is also fundamental in maintaining a robust immune system.
Mobility Issues
Mobility issues are another prominent concern that’s almost unavoidable for most seniors. Unfortunately, as we age, bones and muscles weaken, and getting around becomes more and more of a challenge.
Moreover, aches and pains are also an expected complaint that comes along with mobility issues in the elderly.
The best approach is to start physical therapy sessions as the benefits of this include a stronger core, improved flexibility, enhanced joint range, and improved mobility. What’s more, you’ll also learn how to manage pain effectively without commercial pain killer medications.
Nevertheless, when mobility issues become a prominent concern, walkers and wheelchairs are valuable tools, while live-in care is also an option to maintain independence.
The Importance Of Health Checkups For Seniors
As a senior, it’s imperative to prioritize your health and wellbeing by scheduling routine health checkups. These checkups include a general health checkup with your general practitioner, an eye exam with an expert optometrist, and a hearing exam as well. It’s critical to book these appointments once a year from the age of 50.
These health checkups are critical to identifying the early signs of health ailments. Because leaving health conditions to progress means a lower quality of life, it’s easy to understand why these appointments are crucial.
That said, in addition to health checkups, it’s also worthwhile to invest in health monitoring gadgets like wearable tech that tracks heart rate, sleep quality, steps, and more, while you can also invest in a medical alert device to better manage your health as your age. Other worthwhile monitoring gadgets include glucose meters, heart rate monitors, and blood pressure, readers. Keeping these gadgets and using them correctly really can save your life.