“I’m concerned for my parents. They’re both elderly and have senior health issues. What can I do to help them?” It can be tough to know how to help your aging loved one who is struggling with health issues. But there are many things you can do that will make their life easier.
Senior Male Working With Physiotherapist
Here are some tips on what you can do as a child of an elderly person to help them maintain their independence and quality of life.
The following are the most common health issues we should be watching out for.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a common, serious medical condition that causes too much sugar to build up in the blood. Cognitive dysfunction, obesity, and other complications can develop quickly if not treated early.
Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in childhood while type 2 often happens later in life due to lifestyle habits. Diabetes, while incurable and chronic, can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication to keep blood sugar at a safe level.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, age-related brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills. With this condition, the person has impaired thoughts, behavior, and emotions. This makes it difficult to function at home or in society over time. It is important to get help as soon as possible as symptoms appear. Many facilities offer in home care like Assured Assisted Living.
Alzheimer’s can happen to anyone with aging. There are three types: early onset, late onset, and familial Alzheimer’s disease.
Early onset means 60 years old or younger while late onset means 65+ years old. Familial meaning where other family members may have Alzheimer’s Disease. This could increase your risk of getting this disease.
People living with Alzheimer’s disease can experience symptoms that include memory loss and confusion. Language difficulties, and difficulty understanding or expressing what you’re thinking are also tell-tale symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Elderly monitoring sensors can be useful in caring for your loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a painful condition that results in fragile, brittle bones. Symptoms of this bone disease include weakness and pain. You may be at risk for things like broken wrists or ankles, and fractures can lead to things like chronic arthritis.
The body requires calcium every day to maintain bone density in joints? As we age, our bodies produce less and less calcium. This means taking extra precautions is important for aging or elderly parents who are suffering from bone loss and other side effects of deteriorating osteoporosis muscle mass!
You can prevent the slow and painless deterioration of bones with prescription medications. Osteoporosis treatments can relieve symptoms such as back pain or soreness from severe trauma.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful debilitating joint disorder that reduces your mobility and stops you from sleeping. It is an inflammatory disorder that has been linked to multiple conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.
You know that ache in your knee? The stiffness and pain of arthritic joints? You may not have had them for years, but they are suddenly coming back.
Arthritis is an issue as we get older and its signs can start relatively early on.
There are some established factors that contribute to the onset of arthritis. These include trauma or injury, genetics of connective tissue disorders, excess weight or obesity.
Treatments have included over-the-counter medications like aspirin or ibuprofen. But these are largely ineffective against long-term inflammation caused by arthritis.
Newer treatments are considered a better treatment option. For example, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, which work to slow down inflammation.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or High Blood Pressure, “the silent killer” can be a devastating condition to live with.
Most people who have high blood pressure do not experience symptoms. In some cases, those with higher levels of hypertension may feel a pounding sensation in their head or chest. Lightheadedness and dizziness are also common among these individuals.
High blood pressure can be successfully treated with medication to control blood pressure levels. Additionally, the physical act of petting an animal can produce an automatic relaxation response that, in turn, lowers blood pressure. If your elderly parents struggle with high blood pressure, it may be worthwhile to look into pet therapy for seniors.
Heart Disease
A slow, continuous squeezing of your heart may be the first sign that you have heart disease. This is often present in the form of persistent chest pain or shoulder pressure.
Early detection can prevent this condition from becoming even worse. Learning some new habits will help to provide relief for those suffering from this painful condition.
Taking control over your health means making time for yourself each day to lead a healthy lifestyle. Limit alcohol intake and eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Get plenty of regular physical activity.
With these few changes alone you’ll feel healthier than ever before!
Quick action can reduce serious health risks including disability, stroke, and heart attack. And early detection offers a better chance for recovery than waiting until later on when more damage could have been done.
Depression
Senior depression is an exceedingly common condition that affects many elderly people. It’s not simply a matter of age but also potentially other risk factors, such as genetics and stress from caregiving.
It may be that other senior health issues are causing your elderly mum or dad to feel depressed. These symptoms often manifest themselves in their day-to-day functions like mood swings, withdrawal, insomnia or excessive sleeping, overeating or weight loss; even hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.
There are ways to prevent these setbacks by fighting the root cause: loneliness and societal isolation. Maintaining regular gentle exercise, keeping your mind active, and socializing are great ways to reduce the impact of depression.
Cancer
Cancer is a deadly disease that has affected many families and communities throughout the world. The death rate of cancer jockeys with that of heart disease to be higher than any other cause of death. Many people see a diagnosis of cancer as being a death sentence, but it doesn’t have to be.
Early diagnosis and treatment can enable people living with cancer to continue living a happy and fulfilling life. One of the biggest emotional difficulties to confront is depression creeping in.
Maintaining Optimal Health With Senior Health Issues
Health concerns with your elderly dad or mom can be eased with a good diet, gentle exercise, and getting enough sleep. Keeping mentally stimulated and active is important in reducing senior health issues for your elderly parents.
Remember to be observant of any signs that your elderly parents may be having health issues and seek medical advice quickly. Help your parents have a healthy lifestyle, and just taking them out for a walk around the neighborhood can work wonders.
Don’t forget to browse the rest of this section for more healthy tips.
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