Our bodies go through many changes, resulting in an increased risk for a variety of health problems. Maintaining a good relationship with the doctor and keeping active as much as possible can help reduce our risk of major issues. Some of the common health problems senior citizens face are listed below.
Cognitive Issues
Later in life, we experience cognitive decline, which is a gradual deterioration in cognitive abilities. This can include problems with memory, attention, thinking, and reasoning. Cognitive decline can make it difficult to carry out everyday tasks and can increase the risk of developing dementia. There is no cure for cognitive decline, but there are ways to help slow its progression. Exercise, a healthy diet, and social engagement are all important factors in maintaining cognitive health as we age.
Vision or Hearing Loss
Some seniors suffer from vision or hearing loss. This can be due to age-related changes, health problems, or injuries. Vision loss can make it difficult to read, drive, or perform other activities. Hearing loss can make it difficult to hear conversation or sounds. It can also lead to social isolation. Feeling as if your body is failing you can be difficult at any age. It’s important for family members to engage older relatives in activities as much as possible to help them feel involved.
Oral Health Problems
Oral health problems can be common among senior citizens. The most common of these are tooth decay and gum disease. These issues can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss.
There are a variety of reasons for the increased risk. One reason is that their teeth may be more susceptible to decay because of changes in the mouth that occur with age. Another reason might stem from a lack of dental prevention techniques throughout their life. It’s important to maintain good oral health practices, even as we age, to prevent possible problems.
Respiratory Issues
Respiratory disease is common in senior citizens and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as infection, pollution, and smoking. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends on a variety of things, including the underlying cause of the disease. Your physician may prescribe antibiotics, bronchodilators, or oxygen therapy.
Respiratory disease can significantly reduce the quality of life for seniors and can even lead to death. Conditions like asthma, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may worsen as we age. Thankfully, there are medications that can help with these issues, making it even more important to maintain regular check-ups with the doctor.
Summary
These are just a few issues that may arise as we age. It’s important to check in with our older community and keep them active. Make sure they’re attending their doctor appointments and doing everything they and you can do to maintain their health.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art-20046070
https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/
https://www.apa.org/pi/aging/resources/guides/older
