Tuesday 28 April 2020

What are some of the common health issues among the elderly?

Aging can make one more prone to diseases. A person's genetic makeup, lifestyle habits, and pre-existing conditions can contribute to the quality of their living as they grow older. Public health professional Martin Sanders shares some of the common health issues among the elderly population.

Image source: Lovetoknow.com

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Sensory impairment: Hearing loss, vision impairment, and other related problems affect the majority of the elderly population. As these issues are common, these can be addressed quickly with assistive tools such as hearing aids or eyeglasses. The eyesight and hearing of aging individuals must be regularly checked so they can be provided with the right treatment and tools, and their condition improves.

Chronic conditions: Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, respiratory illness, and other chronic conditions can greatly affect the quality of life among senior citizens. Lack of physical activity and treatment can make them more vulnerable to complications that might come with these chronic diseases. Martin Sanders and other health experts suggest that keeping an active lifestyle, eating the right foods, and following doctor-prescribed treatments will significantly improve the overall well-being of senior citizens.

Malnutrition: This health issue usually goes undetected and is typically a sign of an underlying condition. Not having the right nutrition can compromise a person's immune system as well as affect the essential functions of the body. Aside from providing the elderly with nutritious foods, health supplements can also boost their appetite.

Family members and caregivers must be aware of these common health issues so that they can provide the elderly with the best care they deserve. Regularly consulting with their doctors is also important to keep their physical condition in check.

Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., has years of experience in the field of occupational safety and health. He recently obtained a certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. For more reads on public safety and health, visit this page.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.