Growing old is a process everyone has to go through. And it is also a blessing as not too many people get to grow old and live to see their grand and great grandkids. So, in as much as it can be a daunting process having to cope with grey hair, dementia, and wrinkles, it also comes with its fair share of blessings.
Aging can also bring about some unique health-related issues which, if left unattended to, can cause the senior’s health to deteriorate even faster. This is the primary reason why you must check for any signs of some of these health-related issues and immediately seek the necessary medical attention. Some come merely with old age, and there isn’t much to do about it. But others, you can delay and possibly prevent. Keep reading and find out more.
1. Cognitive health
This health-related issue touches on the elderly’s ability to think. The ability to learn and remember things. So far, the most common cognitive health issue that the old face is dementia. Studies reveal that approximately 47.5 million people in the world have dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is currently the most common form of dementia that the elderly are prone to.
2. Bladder control and constipation
Constipation and incontinence are also common health factors with aging. They often impact the older adult’s quality and way of life. In most instances, the two are the side effects of most of the health issues we are about to mention such as chronic health issues, and not taking a balanced diet. Luckily, this is the one health issue that has a treatment method that the elderly should not shy away from trying. You can learn more at Your Smile Dental Care, which has additional information and resources available.
3. Substance abuse
The most common substances the elderly abuse are alcohol and other drug-related substances. People usually fail to realize how much substance abuse is affecting the elderly simply because they cannot imagine older people abusing substances.
4. Dental health
Dental health is also another one of the common elderly health issues that are commonly overlooked. Studies conducted by the CDC show that over 25% of adults that are over 65 years do not have natural teeth: hence the need for them to have frequent visits to the dentist. This can be due to a number of health problems such as tooth decay and cavities. These issues can make it very difficult to maintain a healthy diet over time.
5. Sensory impairments
It is common for older people to have sensory impairments such as vision and hearing especially when people get to the ages of 70 and above. Luckily, you can combat these issues using glasses and hearing aids.
6. Malnutrition
Malnutrition is another health-related issue that people miss to notice. People tend to assume that the elderly have all their diets in order and know what’s good for them. But this can lead to more complicated health issues such as weakened immune systems and weak muscles which are another problem altogether.
7. HIV/AIDS and other STDs
In 2016, studies by the CDC showed that about 21% of all AIDS cases occurred in the elderly. People’s sexual desires don’t often disappear completely even with old age even though their sexual needs and ability might.
8. Physical injury
This is the more common health injury people see in the elderly as they can fall or slip just about every other minute. And while falls may not be inevitable, you can help minimize them especially on the side of the adults.
9. Mental health
The WHO also reveal that about 15% of all seniors above 60 years suffer from some kind of mental health issue. Depression is the most common health issue here and can cause many more problems if left unattended. Hypertension and substance abuse are also other forms of mental health issues.
10. Chronic health conditions
Almost all older people above 77 years suffer from two chronic health issues. It may include cancer, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease all of which are costly to treat.
It is always wise to take your elderly parent or relative for a continuous medical checkup and ensure the health issues mentioned above are addressed just to be safe and also combat any emerging health issue.
