Getting older is inevitable, but it’s not something anyone is genuinely looking forward to. It is, however, a natural process so it should be accepted as such. It’s also necessary to understand that aging brings changes, health issues and concerns and in order to deal with those successfully, we need to recognise them in time and understand them.
Here are 5 typical health issues senior generations commonly face.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints and causes constant pain and stiffness that is often accompanied with swelling and limited mobility. The symptoms can be treated with certain medication, but it’s essential the person maintains a healthy diet and body weight and does regular physical exercise. It’s important the exercise is low-impact, such as moderate aerobics, yoga, swimming and walking, so there’s no further strain or damage imposed on the joints.
Cognitive issues
Possibly one of the most difficult issues to deal with is the loss of cognitive functions. The most common condition is dementia that affects a large number of people over 65, and in Australia, it’s almost a quarter of those over 85. It’s a degenerative and progressive disease that still has no cure, but this doesn’t mean there are no solutions that can help in coping with this condition.
In addition to certain treatments that can help manage the symptoms and professional dementia in-home care, there are excellent options for high-quality dementia home care centres that provide expert staff who make sure the dementia-affected patients can live as comfortable and enjoyable as they can.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a significant senior health risk that affects around 25% of people over the age of 65 and is one of the major causes of death. As a part of regular health control, seniors need to take early blood sugar level test as an early diagnosis is crucial in disease prevention which then leaves enough room to improve long-term senior health prospects.
Bladder control and constipation
Constipation and incontinence are very common in older age and their impact on the quality of life is devastating. They can seriously impede the person’s daily activities and socializing, which can easily push them into depression. In addition to being age-related, these two conditions can be the result of some chronic health issues and poor nutrition. In order to prevent them from happening, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet and stay as active as possible, with the possibility of including medical treatment if necessary.
Depression
According to statistics, about 20% of elderly population have battled depression at some point. It’s a serious and sneaky threat that can seriously compromise a person’s immune system and lead to some serious conditions. In addition to prescribed medication, the solution lies in being both physically and socially active. Moderate daily physical exercises and quality time spent with friends and family can significantly improve the quality of senior living.
Older age brings about many changes, both on the outside and inside. It’s something we all need to deal with, so in order to do it well, we have to recognize the signs of age-related health issues, eat well and stay active. Hopefully, in that way, the above mentioned concerns will be kept at bay and we’ll enjoy our golden years to the fullest.