Common health problems of the elderly

• Ageing causes body organs to get old too.
• This results in a range of health problems in old age.
• According to the national council on ageing, close top 92% have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have at least two.
• There is therefore the need to plan for prevention and impeding health challenges/emergencies.

Common health conditions in elderly and management:

• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Dehydration
• Constipation
• Mental health
• Bone and joint disorders

Heart Disease

• One of the vital organs in the body.
• Pumps blood to various parts of the body.
• Ageing can cause changes in the heart and blood vessels thereby increases the chance of heart disease.
• Symptoms of heart disease are not always apparent and are likely to get ignored.

How to manage heart related ailments in the elderly

• Restrict intake of bad fat.
• No to alcohol and smoking.
• Exercise at least 20-30 minutes everyday.
• Limit daily salt intake to reduce sodium consumption.

Diabetes

• Lifestyle-related that results in an inability to process sugar by your body.
• High blood sugar can have serious long term effects on the health and can also lead to kidney and heart diseases.
• The risk of getting diabetes increases with one’s age.
• Adults aged 65 or older are at a greater risk of becoming diabetic.

Prevention of Diabetes

• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
• Reduce carbohydrate and unhealthy fat.
• Test your blood sugar from time to time.
• Take medications prescribed if you are diabetic

Dehydration

• Meaning your body lacking enough fluids.
• Absence of adequate body fluids can have a diverse effects on your health particularly in old age.
• It can be linked to urinary tract infection, electrolyte imbalance e.t.c

Prevention of dehydration

• Drink at least 3 liters of fluid (Elderly with heart failure need to be watchful of excess water intake).
• Limit the intake of fluid depleting drinks like alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
• Taking more fruits and herbal teas.

Constipation

• Not able to defecate properly and feeling full is a common problem of the elderly.
• It can lead to bloating, indigestion nausea and stomach pains.
• The causes of constipation are lack of physical activity and fiber in diet.

Prevention and management of constipation

• Eat more fruits and green leafy vegetables
• Keeping well by hydrated
• Regular exercise
• Seek expert help lifestyle changes do not help

Mental health

• Mental health tends to deteriorate with age.
• About 15% of people aged 60 and above are affected with at least one mental health condition.
• Elderly people are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, depression and anxiety.

Prevention of Mental health disorders

• Stay connected with neighbors, family and friends.
• Virtual connections amid pandemic is very important
• Adopting a pet
• Picking a new hobby, like gardening, knitting, pottery etc.
• Journaling to keep a check on feelings and emotions.

Bone and joint disorders

• Osteoarthritis, rheumatism, arthritis and muscle aches are common in the elderly.
• Arthritis affects almost half of all people aged 65 and above.
• Bone and joint related disorders can have a massive impact on the quality of life as they affect the daily activities.

Ways to manage symptoms of bone, muscle, and joint related conditions in the elderly.

• Physical activities within your range of movement
• Taking enough calcium and vitamin D
• Get enough sun
• Anti-inflammatory/Antioxidant in foods.
• See a doctor for any of these conditions
• Avoid accidents and falls. Houses must be designed suitable to avoid falls.

Message to all

• Shower love, care and affection in all possible way to the elderly.