Because of their age, it is not a surprise that the elderly are vulnerable to a lot of external factors. Things that lie around the house can lead to slips and other forms of accidents that can have severe and irreversible consequences for them. Needless to say, they need constant reliable care and supervision from their able-bodied relatives or professionals.
Besides external threats, older people are also susceptible to health issues that are simply brought about by their aging bodies. In this article, we discuss some of the most common illnesses that older people suffer from, as reported by various agencies in the country. We also discuss how science, more than just making websites and gadgets, is used to address these health issues.
Sensory Issues/Impairments
Sensory impairments such as difficulty in hearing or seeing things that are too close or too far are common among those who are above the age of 60, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of course, this observed prevalence doesn’t mean that we should just accept these health issues as a given. There are a lot of things that can be done to prevent sensory degeneration.
If the elderly folks that we are living with already have them, certain safety measures must be observed. To start, you can put some rubber mats on the bathroom floor in order to minimize the chances of slipping. Adding some grab bars for the comfort of the elderly while getting in and out of the bath is also a good idea.
According to lawyers at David Resnick & Associates, P.C.. slip and fall accidents can happen to people at any age, but the elderly are prone to these types of injuries due to impaired vision or hearing. The use of hearing aids and eyeglasses is recommended for seniors, whether they are inside the home, or venturing out on new adventures. There are many stylish frames available at the optometrist’s office, and modern hearing aids are so small as to be almost invisible.
Mental Health Issues
Just like what’s happening in the younger sectors of the population, anxiety and depression are also common among older people. Reasons for these range from being left on their own to losing their lifetime partners. Whatever is the case, mental health is a serious issue that must be treated systematically.
Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors can be taken by those with depression to increase the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is often associated with feeling good and contentment. There are studies that indicate that the same medications can be administered to those who suffer from anxiety attacks. If this technology is not available or too expensive, scientifically backed community-based interventions are also available.
Cognitive Impairments
Besides their emotional and mental health, older people’s cognition is also under threat. Many of them suffer from severe forgetfulness to total learning and recognition inabilities. Dementia is a disease that is commonly associated with those who are old.
Avoiding dementia and other similar issues is not always easy. The National Institute on Aging reports that many other health issues such as HIV, depression, and hypertension increase the risk of dementia. Although there is still no cure for the disease, science has come up with medication and treatment plans that help family members and the patient themselves manage the disease effectively.
Being aware of the health issues faced by the elderly is truly important if we are to help them course through what remains of their lives. Knowing exactly what to do to counter, or at least manage, such issues is even more significant. With developments in modern-day medicine, and with the aid of technology, the golden years of seniors’ lives can be just as fulfilling as their earlier decades.
