Most Common Health Issues Among Seniors and What You Should Know

As we age our bodies become more prone to infections and diseases such as diabetes, kidney problems, hypertension, and many more. This blog will throw light on some of the most common health issues that our senior loved ones fall prey to.

Type 2 Diabetes:-
Type 2 diabetes is a form of diabetes that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and a relative lack of insulin. Previously it was known as “adult-onset diabetes”. Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90% of cases of diabetes. It occurs as a result of obesity and lack of exercise, but it can be genetic too. Our beloved seniors are more prone to this dreadful disease. Maintaining proper body weight and eating a healthy diet plays an important role in managing Type 2 diabetes. Ensure your beloved seniors consume whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish, lean meats, etc. daily to remain healthy and active. Prevent your loved ones from consuming foods containing refined sugar, Trans fats, etc. These foods can spike up the blood sugar levels in their body and can also make them obese. Ensure your senior loved ones monitor their blood sugar levels from time to time If you live abroad or in a different city for job purposes then you can hire a professional caregiver from senior care services in Kolkata who can assist your beloved elders with their daily chores. They can also keep a track of their health, and daily medications and accompany them to doctor’s appointments when required.

Cold and Flu, covid 19:-
Our senior loved ones are susceptible to contracting flu, Pneumonia, Covid 19  viruses easily. Vaccines are life savers. Make sure your senior loved ones complete their vaccines on time to reduce the risk of catching this dreadful virus and falling ill.

Cardiovascular Diseases:-
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for our senior loved ones who are above 65 years of age. We cannot change certain risk factors such as hereditary, age, or sex but we can ensure that our senior loved ones maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat a heart-healthy diet. Regular exercise, consuming nutritious food, and a good night’s sleep are required to keep your senior loved one's heart ticking on a healthy note. Your senior loved ones should undergo certain tests like lipid profile, electrocardiogram (ECG), and Echocardiography (ECHO) to rule out the risks of any heart disease from time to time.

Arthritis:-
Arthritis is a term often used to mean any disorder that affects joints. Symptoms generally include joint pain and stiffness along with redness, warmth, swelling, and decreased movement. Some of the common forms of arthritis that our beloved senior may suffer from:-

⇒     Osteoarthritis.
⇒     Rheumatoid arthritis
⇒     Gout 

It is necessary for our beloved seniors that they maintain healthy body weight as extra pounds put pressure on weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, etc. resulting in arthritis.

Physiotherapy can help in reducing arthritis pain to a large extent. You can avail physiotherapy services for your senior loved ones in the comfort of your home from a reputed elder care service in Kolkata. They use modern techniques like “ultrasound and electric stimulation” that help in reducing arthritis pain and providing much-needed comfort to your loved ones.

Vision and Hearing Loss:-
Aging can impact your senior loved ones' vision and hearing. A cataract is a common vision problem that our senior loved ones often face but the good news is that cataract is treatable. If your senior loved one is facing hearing issues then contact an ENT immediately before the problem aggravates further.  The ENT may suggest the use of hearing aids to help your senior loved ones lead a normal life.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease):-
Our senior loved ones are often hit hard by this common respiratory disease. It makes breathing difficult by blocking airflow. Asthma, bronchitis, etc respiratory diseases can increase the seriousness of COPD. Following preventive measures and adhering to the doctor’s advice can help senior loved ones tackle this dreadful disease.

Alzheimer:-
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Our senior loved ones are mostly affected by this dreadful disease.  Treatment can help but this disease can’t be completely cured. So, we should educate ourselves about this disease and help our loved ones with Alzheimer's with their needs. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s cannot be treated, but you can make your senior loved ones feel better by spending some time with them, talking with them about recent events, showing them pictures of family members, watching a movie, or listening to music with them.  You can hire rehab assistance services to make you're beloved senior feel relaxed and comfortable.

Cancer:-
Seniors may fall prey to certain types of cancers. But according to research prostate cancer among men and endometrial and cervical cancers among women tops the list. Contact a doctor immediately if your beloved seniors show any concerning symptoms.

These are some of the most common health issues that senior loved ones face. Aging cannot be stopped but our senior loved ones can always maintain good health by eating healthy, doing exercises, sleeping regularly for 8 hours, and engaging in activities that make them happy.