Top 10 Health Concerns for Seniors

Conditions & Diagnosis, Nutrition | October 31, 2017

According to the CDC, 41% of adults age 65 and older report that they are in good or excellent health. This is good news, considering average life expectancy is on the rise, with many of those 65-year-olds living to celebrate birthdays beyond the age of 80.

That said, planning for a healthy future in your later years is as important as planning for your financial future. Seniors often face a variety of health conditions that can affect their overall quality of life. By learning about what the top concerns in seniors, you can make some adjustments to your lifestyle that can allow you to age as healthy as possible.

Senior Health Concerns

Your family history, age and lifestyle play a large role in your risk for certain medical conditions. However, a large number of health concerns for seniors can be prevented or the progression slowed by making smart, healthy choices and visiting your doctor for regular screening.

Some of the most common health problems in the elderly include:

1. Cognitive decline. While some memory loss is common as you age, developing Alzheimer’s disease is not. It’s important to recognize the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, as early intervention and treatment can be key in slowing the progression of the disease.
2. Balance issues. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and maintaining your balance and mobility is key in fall prevention.
3. Oral health problems. Not all seniors lose their teeth, but issues like gingivitis that leads to periodontitis, a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth, can be common in older adults. Proper oral care and seeing the dentist for a cleaning every six months can help ensure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible.
4. Heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults over the age of 65. Conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol need to be managed properly and taking good care of your heart are vital to avoid developing heart disease in your later years.
5. Osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that around 54 million adults over age 50 have low bone mass or osteoporosis, and almost all adults over age 80 have some form of osteoarthritis. Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can help protect your bones and joints.
6. Respiratory diseases. Conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can worsen the older you become. However, there are variety of medications available that allow you to breathe easier.
7. It’s estimated that 25 percent of adults age 65 and older have type 2 diabetes. The sooner you know you are at risk or have diabetes, the sooner you can begin managing your blood sugar and making lifestyle changes that can better control it.
8. Influenza or pneumonia. Infections like the flu or pneumonia aren’t specifically senior illnesses, however, seniors are more vulnerable to them and due to weakened immune systems, may be less likely to successfully recover from them.
9. Vision or hearing loss. Maintaining regular screenings for your vision and hearing is vital as you age. Age-related eye issues like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma affect millions of older adults, and 43 percent of people who experience hearing loss are 65 or older.
10. The risk for some types of cancer also increases as you age. For example, women become more at risk for cervical or endometrial cancers, while men have a higher risk for prostate cancer. While preventing cancer altogether may not be possible, screenings to detect certain cancers in the early stages can help effectively treat them.

American Senior Communities offers a variety of senior healthcare services throughout our locations in Indiana and Kentucky. Contact us today to request more information.

Common Chronic Conditions of the Elderly

Chronic diseases – and the associated financial burden of long-term illness – can have a profound impact on the health and quality of life of elder Americans. But gerontologists and specialists within the emerging field of anti-aging medicine say poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) much of the illness, disability, and even death associated with chronic disease can be avoided through preventive measures. The CDC suggests lessening the possibility of chronic disease in later years by:

• Practicing a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular exercise and avoiding tobacco
• Scheduling regular early detection and testing such as breast, prostate and cervical cancer screenings, diabetes and cholesterol screenings, and bone density scans

Most Common Chronic Conditions of the Elderly

There is a common misconception that chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis are just “part of growing old” and nothing can be done about them. The truth is most diseases and conditions are treatable and should be addressed by a physician. According to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the most common chronic diseases afflicting the elderly are:

• Adult onset diabetes
• Arthritis
• Kidney and bladder problems
• Dementia
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Glaucoma
• Lung disease
• Cataracts
• Osteoporosis
• Enlarged prostate
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Macular degeneration
• Depression
• Cardiovascular disease

If your parents are diagnosed with any of these illnesses, the best thing you can do is to educate yourself about how you can best help them.

Often when an older person is diagnosed with a chronic condition, they fear their days of living independently at home are numbered. The impending loss of freedom and autonomy may even cause them to refuse to seek help. Experts agree that one of the most practical ways an adult child can help parents facing a chronic illness is by providing information to enhance their independence and quality of life. All the major chronic conditions listed in this article have an associated foundation or association that can help your parent to live with their condition. Aging parents with a chronic condition need reassurance. Providing these resources is one of the most important gifts you can give them.

“A lot of the sickness, disability and even death associated with chronic disease can be avoided through preventive measures.” — Centers for Disease Control

There are also many companies that are dedicated to manufacturing and distributing products specifically made to help people age at home by making everyday chores and tasks easier:

• Reachers — lobster claw-like devices for people with arthritis or other muscle or joint conditions that make bending or reaching difficult
• Shower chairs and bath benches and hand-held shower heads for bathing
• Elevated toilet seats
• Automatic lifts for stairwells, beds and chairs
• Talking clocks, wristwatches, and calculators for people with poor vision
• Easy bottle and jar openers

Helping a parent with a chronic condition maintain their lifestyle can be a challenge, but by providing information about resources and other help available – and walking them through it when necessary – you can take comfort in the knowledge that you are doing what you can to support your parent’s needs and wishes.

The Most Common Age-Related Medical Issues

Thanks to medical advances, people are living longer than ever. However, longevity and a high quality of life don’t necessarily go hand in hand. Many factors, including genetics, the environment and lifestyle choices, affect how we age.

The most widespread health conditions affecting those 65 and older include arthritis, heart disease, stroke, cancer, pneumonia and the flu. Accidents, especially falls that result in hip fractures, are also unfortunately common in the elderly.

Many elders are coping with at least one health condition and some face the challenge of living with multiple health problems. Family caregivers often help to manage and prevent these and other age-related diseases. Gathering information about what medical issues can present as a loved one ages as well as risk factors that lead to these conditions can be very useful in guiding a senior toward living better.

Common Medical Conditions in Seniors

• Cardiovascular conditions (hypertension, heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease)
• Dementia (There are many types, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia.)
• Delirium
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Incontinence (urinary and bowel)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Lung disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, pneumonia and influenza)
• Frequent falls, which can lead to bone fractures
• Parkinson’s disease
• Sleep disorders (insomnia, sleep apnea restless leg syndrome)
• Cancer
• Eye diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye and low vision)
• Weight loss

As a senior’s body changes with age, there are a few subtler symptoms to be aware of that can affect overall health and quality of life, including:

• A slowed reaction time, which is especially important when judging whether a person can safely drive.
• Thinner skin, which can lead to tears and wounds that heal very slowly.
• A weakened immune system, which can make fighting off viruses, bacterial infections and other diseases more difficult.
• A diminished sense of taste and smell, especially for smokers, which can lead to a loss of appetite and dehydration.

This list can seem daunting, but with proper medical care, good lifestyle choices, and support from family caregivers and health care professionals, elders can enjoy a long, high-quality life.

Browse Our Free
Senior Care Guides

Ageing and health

People worldwide are living longer. Today, for the first time in history, most people can expect to live into their sixties and beyond. By 2050, the world’s population aged 60 years and older is expected to total 2 billion, up from 900 million in 2015. Today, 125 million people are aged 80 years or older. By 2050, there will be almost this many (120 million) living in China alone, and 434 million people in this age group worldwide. By 2050, 80% of all older people will live in low- and middle-income countries.

The pace of population ageing around the world is also increasing dramatically. France had almost 150 years to adapt to a change from 10% to 20% in the proportion of the population that was older than 60 years. However, places such as Brazil, China and India will have slightly more than 20 years to make the same adaptation.

While this shift in distribution of a country’s population towards older ages – known as population ageing – started in high-income countries (for example in Japan 30% of the population are already over 60 years old), it is now low- and middle-income countries that are experiencing the greatest change. By the middle of the century many countries for e.g. Chile, China, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation will have a similar proportion of older people to Japan.

A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole. Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or pursuing a long neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Yet the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor: health.

There is, however, little evidence to suggest that older people today are experiencing their later years in better health than their parents. While rates of severe disability have declined in high-income countries over the past 30 years, there has been no significant change in mild to moderate disability over the same period.

If people can experience these extra years of life in good health and if they live in a supportive environment, their ability to do the things they value will be little different from that of a younger person. If these added years are dominated by declines in physical and mental capacity, the implications for older people and for society are more negative.

Ageing explained

At the biological level, ageing results from the impact of the accumulation of a wide variety of molecular and cellular damage over time. This leads to a gradual decrease in physical and mental capacity, a growing risk of disease, and ultimately, death. But these changes are neither linear nor consistent, and they are only loosely associated with a person’s age in years. While some 70-year-olds enjoy extremely good health and functioning, other 70-year-olds are frail and require significant help from others.

Beyond biological changes, ageing is also associated with other life transitions such as retirement, relocation to more appropriate housing, and the death of friends and partners. In developing a public-health response to ageing, it is important not just to consider approaches that ameliorate the losses associated with older age, but also those that may reinforce recovery, adaptation and psychosocial growth.

Common health conditions associated with ageing

Common conditions in older age include hearing loss, cataracts and refractive errors, back and neck pain and osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression, and dementia. Furthermore, as people age, they are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time.

Older age is also characterized by the emergence of several complex health states that tend to occur only later in life and that do not fall into discrete disease categories. These are commonly called geriatric syndromes. They are often the consequence of multiple underlying factors and include frailty, urinary incontinence, falls, delirium and pressure ulcers.

Geriatric syndromes appear to be better predictors of death than the presence or number of specific diseases. Yet outside of countries that have developed geriatric medicine as a speciality, they are often overlooked in traditionally structured health services and in epidemiological research.

Factors influencing Healthy Ageing

Although some of the variations in older people’s health are genetic, much is due to people’s physical and social environments – including their homes, neighbourhoods, and communities, as well as their personal characteristics – such as their sex, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

These factors start to influence the ageing process at an early stage. The environments that people live in as children – or even as developing foetuses – combined with their personal characteristics, have long-term effects on how they age.

Environments also have an important influence on the development and maintenance of healthy behaviours. Maintaining healthy behaviours throughout life, particularly eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and refraining from tobacco use all contribute to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases and improving physical and mental capacity.

Behaviours also remain important in older age. Strength training to maintain muscle mass and good nutrition can both help to preserve cognitive function, delay care dependency, and reverse frailty.

Supportive environments enable people to do what is important to them, despite losses in capacity. The availability of safe and accessible public buildings and transport, and environments that are easy to walk around are examples of supportive environments.

Challenges in responding to population ageing

Diversity in older age

There is no ‘typical’ older person. Some 80-year-olds have physical and mental capacities similar to many 20-year-olds. Other people experience significant declines in physical and mental capacities at much younger ages. A comprehensive public health response must address this wide range of older people’s experiences and needs.

Health inequities

The diversity seen in older age is not random. A large part arises from people’s physical and social environments and the impact of these environments on their opportunities and health behaviour. The relationship we have with our environments is skewed by personal characteristics such as the family we were born into, our sex and our ethnicity, leading to inequalities in health. A significant proportion of the diversity in older age is due to the cumulative impact of these health inequities across the life course. Public health policy must be crafted to reduce, rather than reinforce, these inequities.

Outdated and ageist stereotypes

Older people are often assumed to be frail or dependent, and a burden to society. Public health, and society as a whole, need to address these and other ageist attitudes, which can lead to discrimination, affect the way policies are developed and the opportunities older people have to experience Healthy Ageing.

A rapidly changing world

Globalization, technological developments (e.g. in transport and communication), urbanization, migration and changing gender norms are influencing the lives of older people in direct and indirect ways. For example, although the number of surviving generations in a family has increased, today these generations are more likely than in the past to live separately. A public health response must take stock of these current and projected trends, and frame policies accordingly.

WHO’s response

In accordance with a recent World Health Resolution (67/13), a comprehensive Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health is being developed by WHO in consultation with Member States and other partners. The Strategy and Action Plan draws on the evidence of the World report on ageing and health and builds on existing activities to address 5 priority areas for action.

1. Commitment to Healthy Ageing. Requires awareness of the value of Healthy Ageing and sustained commitment and action to formulate evidence-based policies that strengthen the abilities of older persons.
2. Aligning health systems with the needs of older populations. Health systems need to be better organized around older people’s needs and preferences, designed to enhance older peoples intrinsic capacity, and integrated across settings and care providers. Actions in this area are closely aligned with other work across the Organization to strengthen universal health care and people-centred and integrated health services.
3. Developing systems for providing long-term care. Systems of long-term care are needed in all countries to meet the needs of older people. This requires developing, sometimes from nothing, governance systems, infrastructure and workforce capacity. WHO’s work on long-term care (including palliative care) aligns closely with efforts to enhance universal health coverage, address non-communicable diseases, and develop people-centred and integrated health services.
4. Creating age-friendly environments. This will require actions to combat ageism, enable autonomy and support Healthy Ageing in all policies and at all levels of government. These activities build on and complement WHO’s work during the past decade to develop age-friendly cities and communities including the development of the Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities and an interactive information sharing platform Age-friendly World.
5. Improving measurement, monitoring and understanding. Focused research, new metrics and analytical methods are needed for a wide range of ageing issues. This work builds on the extensive work WHO has done in improving health statistics and information, for example through the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE)

Tip Sheet: A Guide to Geriatric Syndromes: Common and Often Related Medical Conditions in Older Adults

Americans are continuing to live longer and healthier lives. As we age, we become more likely to develop different kinds of health problems. These are called geriatric syndromes, which are problems that usually have more than one cause and involve many parts of the body. Doctors called geriatricians—who have advanced training in the care of older adults—and other geriatrics healthcare professionals can play an important role in diagnosing and managing these syndromes.

There are many treatments available for these conditions that can help you maintain your independence and quality of life. 

Geriatric Syndromes: What Should You Do?

Bladder Control Problems

Lack of bladder control, or “urinary incontinence,” is an embarrassing topic. Please know that you are not alone! Urinary incontinence can lead to problems such as falls, depression, and isolation. In most cases, incontinence can be cured or greatly improved with treatment. So don’t hesitate to tell your healthcare provider if you have bladder control problems.

Sleep Problems

Sleep problems can affect your quality of life and can contribute to falls, injuries, and other health problems. If you have trouble sleeping at night or feel sleepy during the day, tell your healthcare provider so they can identify the type of sleep problem you have.

Delirium

Many older adults who go to the emergency room or are admitted to the hospital develop delirium. Delirium is a state of sudden confusion. Delirium is a medical emergency, similar to chest pain. Make sure that you and your friends and family know the signs of delirium and seek medical attention right away at the first sign of any sudden changes in mental function.

Dementia

Dementia, most simply, is a memory problem significant enough to affect your ability to carry out your usual tasks. While the most common cause is Alzheimer’s Disease, there are many other types. Various tests can help determine whether you or someone you care for might have dementia and what type it might be. If so, there are treatments that can improve function and slow down the disease.

Falls

Falls are a leading cause of serious injury in older people. There are many risk factors for falling, including safety hazards in the home, medication side effects, walking and vision problems, dizziness, arthritis, weakness, and malnutrition. Like other geriatric syndromes, falls usually have more than one cause.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you have fallen. They will look into what caused your fall and suggest steps to prevent future falls. There are many treatments, such as exercise and physical therapy, that can help improve your gait and walking and prevent falls.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, or “thinning bones,” is a condition that makes the bones of older adults more fragile and easy to break. Women 65 and older, and men over age 70, should get a bone mass density (BMD) test. Increased calcium and vitamin D intake, strength training exercises, and weight-bearing exercises such as walking are important to keeping your bones healthy. Your healthcare provider may also recommend medications or other treatments.

Weight Loss

Weight loss is a very common problem in older adults. Weight loss can be caused by the diminished sense of taste that comes with aging, or it can be a suggestion of an underlying serious medical problem. No matter the cause, weight loss can lead to other problems, such as weakness, falls, and bone disorders.

Your healthcare provider should weigh you each time you visit and check for any changes. Also, be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have any changes in your weight or appetite.

Last Updated August 2017

11 Common Health Issues Associated With Aging| Aegis Living

As we age, we notice more outward signs of the passing years such as deepening wrinkles, pronounced laugh lines, grey hair, or we pick up our reading glasses more frequently.  But with age, we can also experience some health concerns that might not be as visible. If you are noticing concerning health symptoms in your loved one, they might be signs of more serious issues.  Here are eleven of the most common aging health issues that you should be aware of.  Speak with your General Manager or Health Services Director at your Aegis Living community if you have questions.

Arthritis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all adults 65 years or older suffer from arthritis. As the nation’s number one cause of disability, arthritis can be a source of acute pain and impact quality of life.   Because arthritis can discourage your family member from physical activity, it is important that you work with your their doctor to manage their condition and control any discomfort.

Heart Disease

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Coronary Heart Disease is the number one cause of death in women in the United States.  As the most common type of heart disease in seniors, atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty deposits and plaque in the walls of the arteries.  Depending on where the accumulation is located in the body, this blockage can disrupt the flow of blood and oxygen or lead to a heart attack or stroke.  But heart disease is not a normal part of the aging process, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best prevention.

Osteoporosis

It is estimated that over two million bones are fractured due to osteoporosis every year in the U.S.  With the aging baby boomer population reaching retirement age in the United States, this statistic will rise. The International Osteoporosis Organization estimates a bone is fractured worldwide every three seconds.  Women are at higher risk due to the loss of estrogen as they age.  In the five to seven years following menopause, women can lose up to 20% of their bone density. There are steps that you can take to prevent and monitor bone loss and bone density.

Alzheimer’s Disease

With an estimated 5.3 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease, the baby boomer population will greatly impact this statistic over the next several years—especially among women who make up almost two-thirds of all diagnosed.  Some of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is forgetting recently learned information, repeatedly asking for the same information, relying on memory aides as a crutch, asking a family member to assist with tasks that they normally were able to handle, and confusion about time and place. If you are concerned that your parent or spouse is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, speak with your Health Services Director or make an appointment to meet with their physician.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common and potentially serious illness for the frail.  For adults over the age of 65, the annual incidence of pneumonia is four times greater than younger age groups, with a higher rate of hospitalization. It is currently the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.  Pneumonia is an acute infection of the lungs and can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria or virus. Approximately one-third of the cases of pneumonia in the United States are caused by viruses.   Seniors are more susceptible to pneumonia because of the prevalence of both disability and comorbid diseases.   Other known independent risk factors for pneumonia include alcoholism, asthma, immunosuppression, and heart disease.

Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than one-quarter of the adults in America over the age of 65 have diabetes (types 1 or 2).  Approximately one-half of older adults have prediabetes. Among the aging populations, type 2 diabetes is an increasing problem and a disproportionately large number of the newly diagnosed diabetics are elderly. Diabetes requires a significant amount of self-care which can be difficult for older patients to manage on their own.  If your parent is diabetic, it is important to understand the barriers—both physically and mentally—so they get the necessary assistance to successfully manage their own care.

Influenza

The medical community has long recognized that the senior population is at higher risk for serious complications and hospitalization due to influenza.  Because immune defenses weaken with age, this elderly age group contains the largest number of deaths attributed to the flu.  If you are caring for an elderly family member or visiting them in an assisted living community, wash your hands frequently and get a flu shot during cold and flu season. And if you are sick, do not visit your until you are no longer contagious to prevent the spread of the flu.

Fall Injury

A fall for an older person can be the cause of great concern because it can result in broken bones, abrasions, or worse.  There are many factors attributable to a senior’s fall risk, including eye and ear disorders, medication interactions, numbness, joint pain, dizziness, muscle strength, and walking gait.  It is important to take precautions to reduce the possibility of falls.  In some cases, families find great comfort in moving their loved one to an assisted living community where care staff can help your parent, especially when walking, standing from a seated position, toileting, and carrying items.   However, whether a senior is living in a private home or a community setting, fall risks are always a possibility.

Oral Health

Poor oral health can affect more than your parent enjoying a family meal.  It can be detrimental to their health and quality of life.  Tooth loss, gum disease, dry mouth, sensitive teeth, and poor oral health can contribute to significant weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, pain, interrupted sleep, and communication issues. Although age contributes to oral health problems, there are ways for your parent to care for their mouth.    Regular dentist visits are just as important as we age, as they are when we’re younger.

Depression

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, older adults with depression often show less obvious symptoms and are less likely to confide their feelings of sadness or despair.  Also, they are at greater risk of depression if they have a physical illness and medical condition that can make symptoms worse. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the signs of depression to get the help needed.  Depression is treatable through counseling, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of these.  Consult with your parent’s physician if you are worried they suffer from depression.

Shingles

There are approximately one million estimated cases of shingles in the U.S. per year.  This startling statistic estimates that one out of every three people will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime, and the elderly are particularly susceptible. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox.   It is a painful, blistering skin rash that lasts about two to four weeks.   Shingles is common in older adults due to a weakened immune system, stress, injury, certain medications, and other factors.  The good news is that most will heal from shingles without recurrence.

We are all aware of what we are supposed to do—eat well, stay active, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and see your doctor regularly.   But sometimes, that can be easier said than done.  Despite our best efforts there are many contributing factors to health issues.  These are just a few of the common illnesses you may see in your aging loved one.  If you suspect any changes in your parent speak to your Health Services Director, and know that our HSD, Care Director and staff are looking out for your loved one and will share any noticeable changes with you as well.

10 Common Elderly Health Issues

All jokes aside, aging can bring about unique health issues.

(iStock photo)

Getting older can seem daunting­—graying hair, wrinkles, forgetting where you parked the car. All jokes aside, aging can bring about unique health issues. With seniors accounting for 12 percent of the world’s population­–and rapidly increasing to over 22 percent by 2050–it’s important to understand the challenges faced by people as they age, and recognize that there are preventive measures that can place yourself (or a loved one) on a path to healthy aging.

Chronic Health Conditions

According to the National Council on Aging, about 92 percent of seniors have at least one chronic disease and 77 percent have at least two. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are among the most common and costly chronic health conditions causing two-thirds of deaths each year. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends meeting with a physician for an annual checkup, maintaining a healthy diet and keeping an exercise routine to help manage or prevent chronic diseases. Obesity is a growing problem among older adults and engaging in these lifestyle behaviors can help reduce obesity and associated chronic conditions.

Cognitive Health

Cognitive health is focused on a person’s ability to think, learn and remember. The most common cognitive health issue facing the elderly is dementia, the loss of those cognitive functions. Approximately 47. 5 million people worldwide have dementia—a number that is predicted to nearly triple in size by 2050. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease with as many as five million people over the age of 65 suffering from the disease in the United States. According to the National Institute on Aging, other chronic health conditions and diseases increase the risk of developing dementia, such as substance abuse, diabetes, hypertension, depression, HIV and smoking. While there are no cures for dementia, physicians can prescribe a treatment plan and medications to manage the disease.

Mental Health

According to the World Health Organization, over 15 percent of adults over the age of 60 suffer from a mental disorder. A common mental disorder among seniors is depression, occurring in seven percent of the elderly population. Unfortunately, this mental disorder is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Older adults account for over 18 percent of suicides deaths in the United States. Because depression can be a side effect of chronic health conditions, managing those conditions help. Additionally, promoting a lifestyle of healthy living such as betterment of living conditions and social support from family, friends or support groups can help treat depression.

Continue reading on Vital Record.

90,000 Mental health and older people

Older people, that is, people aged 60 and over, make an important contribution to society as family members, volunteers and active workers. While most older people have good mental health, many older people are at risk of developing mental disorders, neurological disorders or substance use problems, and other health conditions such as diabetes, hearing loss, and osteoarthritis.In addition, as they age, people are more likely to have multiple health problems at the same time.

Problem

The world’s population is aging rapidly. Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s elderly is estimated to double from about 12% to 22%. In absolute terms, the number of people over 60 is expected to increase from 900 million to 2 billion. Older persons face special physical and mental health problems that need to be recognized.

More than 20% of adults aged 60 and over have a mental or neurological disorder (excluding headache disorders), and 6.6% of all disabilities (disability-adjusted life years – DALYs) among people over 60 years caused by neurological and mental disorders. These health disorders among the elderly account for 17.4% of the years of life lived with disabilities (ABI). The most common neuropsychiatric disorders in this age group are dementia and depression, affecting about 5% and 7% of the world’s older population, respectively.Anxiety disorders affect 3.8% of older people, problems caused by the use of psychoactive substances – almost 1%, and about 25% of deaths from self-harm occur in people aged 60 years or older. Problems caused by substance use among the elderly often go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed.

Health workers and older people themselves do not pay enough attention to mental health problems, and the stigma associated with mental illness makes people reluctant to seek help.

Risk Factors for Mental Health Problems in Older People

At any point in a person’s life, there are a variety of risk factors at risk for mental health. Older people, in addition to the usual stressors in the lives of all people, may also be affected by factors more characteristic of old age, such as significant and sustained deterioration in ability and functional decline. For example, older people may experience limited mobility, chronic pain, decrepitude, or other health problems that require some form of long-term care.In addition, events such as the loss of loved ones or a decline in socioeconomic status after retirement can occur much more often in the lives of older people. All of these factors can lead to isolation, loneliness, or psychological distress, which may require long-term care.

Mental health affects physical health and vice versa. For example, older people with conditions such as heart disease have higher rates of depression compared to those in good health.Conversely, not treating depression in an older person with heart disease can negatively impact the outcome of a physical illness.

In addition, older people may experience abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial and material abuse, neglect, neglect, and serious disregard for human dignity and disrespect. The evidence to date suggests that one in ten older persons is experiencing abuse.Elder maltreatment can cause not only physical harm, but also serious, sometimes long-term, psychological consequences, including depression and anxiety.

Dementia and depression in the elderly – a public health problem

Dementia

Dementia is a syndrome, usually of a chronic or progressive nature, in which memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to perform daily functions deteriorate.

An estimated 50 million people worldwide live with dementia, with 60% of people with dementia living in low- and middle-income countries.The total number of people with dementia is projected to increase to 82 million in 2030 and to 152 million in 2050.

Dementia is associated with significant social and economic problems in the form of direct costs of medical, social and informal care. In addition, physical, emotional and economic hardships can cause significant stress for family members and caregivers. The health, social, financial and legal systems must support both people with dementia and those who care for them.

Depression

Depression can be very distressing and leads to limited functioning in everyday life. Unipolar depression affects 7% of all elderly people and accounts for 5.7% of total disabilities (DALYs) among people over 60 years of age. In primary care settings, depression is underdiagnosed and not all patients receive treatment. Symptoms of depression in older people are often overlooked and treated as they overlap with other problems in older people.

In primary care settings, depression is underdiagnosed and not all patients receive treatment. Symptoms of depression in older people are often overlooked and treated as they overlap with other problems in older people.

Treatment and care strategies

It is important to prepare health workers and the community to meet the special needs of older people, including:

• training health professionals in old age care;
• prevention and management of age-related chronic diseases, including mental, neurological and disorders associated with the use of psychotropic substances;
• Developing sustainable policies for long-term and palliative care; and
• creating age-appropriate services and conditions.

Health education

The mental health of older people can be improved by promoting active and healthy aging. Health education for the mental health of older people is about creating living conditions and environments that promote well-being and enable people to lead healthy and integrated lives. Mental health promotion depends mainly on strategies that ensure that older people have the necessary resources to meet their basic needs, such as:

• ensuring safety and freedom; 90 040 90 039 suitable housing due to favorable housing policy;
• social support for the elderly and those who provide them with assistance;
• Health and special programs targeting vulnerable groups of people, such as the lonely, those living in rural areas, or those suffering from chronic or recurrent mental or physical illnesses;
• programs to prevent violence or elder abuse; and
• community development programs.

Interventions

Rapid recognition and treatment of mental, neurological and substance use disorders in older adults is key. Both psychosocial interventions and medications are recommended.

There is currently no cure for dementia, but much can be done to support and improve the quality of life of people with dementia, their caregivers and their families, in particular:

• early diagnosis, so to promote early and optimal disease management;
• optimization of physical and psychological health and optimization of well-being;
• Identification and treatment of concomitant physical diseases;
• Identification and management of problematic behavioral and psychological symptoms;
• Providing information and long-term support for caregivers.

Community Assistance

Good general health and social care is essential to help improve the health of the elderly, prevent disease and manage chronic disease. Therefore, training all health care providers to deal with the problems and disorders associated with aging is essential. Effective community primary care for the elderly is a critical element. Equally important is the emphasis on long-term care for the elderly with mental disabilities and the provision of education, training and support to caregivers.

Providing the highest quality services for people with mental illness and their caregivers requires an appropriate and supportive legal environment based on internationally accepted human rights standards.

WHO work

WHO supports governments in achieving the goal of promoting and promoting mental health among older people, integrating effective strategies into policies and plans. In 2016, the World Health Assembly adopted the Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Aging and Health.One of the goals of this global strategy is to align health systems with the mental as well as physical health needs of older people. It includes, inter alia, the following measures: orientation of health systems towards internal capabilities and functionality; organizing and providing affordable access to quality and comprehensive clinical care for the elderly; and ensuring a stable composition of a properly trained, employed and managed health workforce.

Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013–2020. represents a commitment by all WHO Member States to take concrete measures to promote mental well-being, prevent mental disorders, provide health care, accelerate recovery, strengthen human rights and reduce mortality, morbidity and disability for people with mental disorders, including the elderly. It has four key objectives:

• to strengthen effective leadership and leadership in mental health;
• Provide comprehensive, integrated and responsive health and social care at the primary level;
• Implement mental health promotion and prevention strategies;
• Strengthen mental health information systems, evidence and research.

Depression, psychosis, suicide, epilepsy, dementia and substance use disorders are included in the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP), which aims to improve care for mental, neurological and disorders substance use by providing guidance and tools for organizing health care in resource-poor areas.The mhGAP package includes measures to prevent and treat each of these priority conditions in non-specialized health care settings, including those for the elderly.

WHO recognizes dementia as a public health problem and has published Dementia: a public health priority, which calls for action at the international and national levels. In March 2015, WHO organized the first Ministerial Conference on Global Action Against Dementia, which raised awareness of the public health and economic challenges of dementia, promoted a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Member States and stakeholders, and led to the adoption of the Call to action ”, supported by the conference participants.

In May 2017, the World Health Assembly approved the Global Public Health Action Plan for the Response to Dementia 2017–2025. The Plan provides a comprehensive program of action for policy-makers, international, regional and national partners and WHO in areas such as raising awareness of dementia and developing initiatives to create an enabling environment for people with dementia; reducing the risk of dementia; diagnostics, treatment and care; research and innovation; and support for carers of people with dementia. The plan’s goal is to improve the lives of people with dementia, their carers and their families, while reducing the impact of dementia on individuals, communities and countries. As part of efforts to operationalize the Plan, the Global Dementia Observatory was created, an international surveillance platform for policy-makers and researchers to facilitate the monitoring and exchange of information on dementia policy, service delivery, epidemiological conditions and research.

90,000 Mental health and the elderly – News

Mental health and the elderly

10 October 2013, 08:02
Ivan Martynikhin

Since 1992, at the initiative of the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH) with the support of the World Health Organization, October 10 is the World Mental Health Day.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated with the aim of raising public awareness of mental health problems.One of the goals of this international day is to debunk stereotypes associated with mental disorders and to encourage people to seek help when needed. This day promotes open discussion of mental disorders and stimulates investment in prevention, treatment and mental health promotion.

In 2013, the main theme for Mental Health Day was Mental Health and the Elderly.

• The world’s population is aging rapidly.According to the forecast, the number of people aged 60 and over will increase at least three times by 2100 90,040

• Mental health and emotional well-being in old age is as important as at any other time in life
• Neuropsychiatric disorders in the elderly account for 6.6% of the total disability scores (DALYs) for this age group 90,040

• About 90,125 15% of people 90,126 aged 60 and over have mental health problems, with dementia and depression being the most common

At at link you will find the WFMH Special Report on Mental Health in the Elderly. Content of the report:

1. Mental health of older people – growing concern
Mental health of older people
2. A day to reflect on mental health and well-being of older people worldwide 90 095
3. More about dementia
4. Depression in the elderly 90 095
5. The role of social intervention and rehabilitation in elderly care 90 095
6. Comorbid conditions in the elderly: time to act 90 095
7.Healthy Aging: Staying Mentally Healthy At Your Age
8. Mental health services for the elderly in Thailand 90 095
9. Person-centered care for the elderly 90 095
10. Grief and the elderly 90 095 90 129 90 125 Family, caregivers and the elderly 90 126 90 130 90 095
11. Caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease
12. Collaboration with families of elderly patients
13. Fact Sheet: Taking Care of Yourself for Caregivers
fourteen.Caregivers for the elderly: challenges and support

An article on Mental Health Day by the World Psychiatric Association, European Psychiatric Association, International Geriatric Psychiatric Association can be found here

Mental Health Day events are held in many regions of Russia. At the Scientific Center for Social and Forensic Psychiatry named after V.P. Serbsky the day before the already traditional open day for media representatives took place, which was widely covered in various publications.

WFMH announced that the 2014 World Mental Health Day will be dedicated to schizophrenia. A list of World Mental Health Day themes from previous years can be found here.

Tags:

mental health (61) WHO (29) world mental health day (8) mental disorders of old age (3)

90,000 How to take care of loved ones in old age?

How to take care of loved ones in old age?

Mom gave the scammers three of her pensions for a set of pots, dad hasn’t left the house for a long time and does not agree to undergo the medical examination he needs, grandmother complains to all relatives that you have completely forgotten her. How to help older people meet old age with dignity and maintain warm relations with them?

Experiencing anxiety is typical for people of all ages, but anxiety has a particularly negative effect on the psychological state and physical health of older people. Because of anxiety, sleep disturbances may appear, memory may worsen, and psychosomatic illnesses may begin.

With the long-term influence of stress factors, increased anxiety can significantly reduce the quality of life and turn into illness.Doctors note such types of anxiety as:

• general anxiety disorders;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder;
• Panic Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder;

90,039 phobias, including social phobia.

In addition to the causes of anxiety inherent in people of all ages, older people fear aging and the related helplessness, worry about possible loneliness and imminent death, and fear for the future of their children and grandchildren.

With age, a person increasingly turns to his inner world. However, if aging is accompanied by a breakdown in social ties with family and friends, the elderly person may begin to suffer from deep loneliness.

1. Loneliness can be caused by the death of a spouse or other loved one.
2. When you change your place of residence, your social circle changes dramatically, it can be difficult for older people to establish new contacts.
3. Professional contacts are lost upon retirement.
4. Moving loved ones to a different city or country also exacerbates feelings of loneliness.

To overcome the feeling of loneliness, abandonment, it is primarily the desire of the elderly person himself that is important. Hobbies and like-minded interlocutors can help you cope with loneliness and overcome age-related obstacles together. The Internet can help cope with loneliness. Many seniors actively participate in social media and hobby forums.

Try some of the ways you can deal with anxiety problems in older loved ones:

Psychologist visit:

Feelings of anxiety respond well to therapy, anti-stress treatments, and medication. Encourage the older person to see a doctor. If a person is afraid to visit a psychiatrist, then you can suggest contacting a psychotherapist. He is also a psychiatrist with additional training in the field of psychotherapy, he has the right to prescribe medications.Psychotherapists are less feared than psychiatrists. If necessary, the doctor will recommend contacting a therapist and neurologist to exclude somatic causes of anxiety. Persuasions are especially successful if you refer to the opinion of an older or more authoritative important adult for you: “My boss, Alexey Ivanovich, gave me the phone number of his personal doctor, ordered me to come in and consult about your insomnia.” A psychotherapist will also help overcome fears associated with age-related diseases, and tune in to the process of examination and treatment, if necessary.

Active listening and acceptance :

If you understand that your grandparents have become very anxious, you should demonstrate calmness and confidence, without convincing older relatives that there is no reason for alarm, but listening to them carefully and patiently. Refrain from building a conversation according to the “yes … but …” scheme – you should not make rational arguments that there are no reasons for alarm, it is much more effective to listen and make it clear that you heard your loved one: “Yes, grandmother, you are very worried that I could have a motorcycle accident.Of course, because before there was no such traffic on the roads, now drivers have to be especially careful. ” Thus, you will make your grandmother feel that you take her experiences to heart.

Encouraging social activity:

Encourage any social activity of your loved ones. Walking in a forest park, a hobby club, finding childhood friends on social networks – everything that will allow you to make new acquaintances and feel less lonely and isolated in your absence.Age-appropriate physical education and sports, especially at a new age, significantly improve mental health in old age. Participation in an age-appropriate psychotherapy group also allows the older person to discuss issues that are troubling and to work together to find ways to cope with them.

• Retirement is often very painful for the elderly. Being in a professional position helps to maintain good mental health. If there is no opportunity to continue professional work, then you can offer participation in volunteer activities.Working on the phone as part of a search group, putting up leaflets, organizing master classes on baking pancakes in a children’s institution, overexposing animals – everything that will allow you to continue your feasible participation in public life, transfer the accumulated experience and feel in demand. By doing this, you will help reduce the risks of social isolation of elderly loved ones.
• Elderly people are often afraid of losing loved ones, increasing the distance between relatives. Try to find a way to be closer to the elderly.Sunday dinners or fishing together or a walk in the woods is what reminds old people that traditions are preserved and they are still included in the family circle. If distances interfere with close communication, and the grandmother refuses to master Skype, then you can try to revive a simple and understandable way of communication: from time to time send an ordinary paper letter or a beautiful postcard to every significant day with warm words and often call and inquire about health and mood.
• Psychotherapists work effectively with fear of death.Relatives can be encouraged to start conversations with old people more often about their past, offer to draw up a genealogical tree of the family, or write notes about childhood and adolescence. The older a person is, the more he is subject to traditions and attached to the past. Memories will not only allow you to get the feeling that there were many significant moments in life, but also to find vivid childhood impressions, namely childhood dreams, if you find a way to translate them into life, the most beneficial effect on a person. Invite grandparents to repeat the memorable trip to the circus with their grandchildren, and they will be less afraid of the future.
• Older people are often very afraid of change. If possible, avoid moving, especially to another country or city, do not initiate repairs in the house in which the elderly have lived their lives, do not throw things away without asking. A certain viscosity of thinking and resentment is characteristic of the elderly, therefore, all changes, if they are not related to life and health, should be very slow and gentle. Any changes that improve the quality of life of an older person should be positively reinforced and negative choices ignored.

If an elderly relative cannot cope with depression, then the regional geriatric center on the basis of hospital No. 2 in Tomsk can come to the aid of the residents of the Tomsk region.

Since the beginning of 2021, 170 residents of Tomsk and districts of the region received outpatient care in the regional geriatric center, another 70 people underwent hospital treatment.

“In 2020, due to the difficult epidemiological situation, the admission of patients in the geriatric department of hospital No. 2 of Tomsk was suspended.And in January 2021, we resumed work in a new status – a regional geriatric center, ”said Tatyana Bondarenko, chief freelance specialist-geriatrician of the regional health care.

The center’s specialists provide outpatient and inpatient treatment for patients over 60 years old with a diagnosis of senile asthenia.

An equipped gym, a room for psychoemotional unloading, medication and physiotherapy, and classes with a psychologist work in the hospital for patients. All patients undergo diagnostics, if indicated – treatment of osteoporosis. Outpatient appointments are conducted by geriatricians. You can get an appointment with a specialist in the direction of a doctor from a polyclinic.

The geriatric center was opened within the framework of the national project “Demography”. It is planned that at least one thousand elderly residents of the Tomsk region will undergo treatment here annually in the Geriatrics profile.

90,000 Social problems of older people

Aging people are faced with the fact that their lives have changed dramatically and will never return to their former course.They have to put up with deteriorating health, financial difficulties, and their unhappy social situation.

Elderly people can be helped, but first you need to understand what is happening to them

Social problems of the elderly are subdivided into the following groups:

1. Health. The problem associated with the deterioration of the quality of life. The main complaints are visual impairment, hearing impairment, and joint pain. The appearance of an elderly person takes on a characteristic appearance: the skin becomes thinner, wrinkles, the hair thinns, loses color, and the gait becomes slow.
2. The financial situation of elderly people is extremely low, and they have no other sources of income other than a pension. Therefore, they react sharply to the rise in prices for food and medicine, eat poorly, and refuse to buy clothes and shoes.
3. Loneliness is a socio-psychological state due to a narrowing or complete absence of a circle of communication. In old age, loneliness is due to the end of business activities, prolonged illness, the death of a spouse. Men after the death of their wife adapt faster and find themselves a new woman, as they are not adapted to live alone.A woman, on the other hand, can take care of herself, so she is looking for friends, not a spouse.

Social problems of older people

These problems are compounded by psychological difficulties:

• loss of social connections, self-isolation;
• psychological protection from everything new, exacerbation of stereotypes;
• delayed sense of time, excessive caution, thrifty;
• hypertrophy of negative character traits – hot temper, irritability, grumpiness.

Socio-psychological problems of elderly people form one or another type of life position in them. This classification makes it possible to objectively assess behavior, to determine the methods of communication.

1. The constructive position is typical for people with a calm view of the world. They do not dramatize about their old age and illnesses, they are always open to communication, they have hobbies.
2. The dependent position is inherent in passive, compliant people, they seek attention, help and, if they do not receive them, are deeply offended.
3. The defensive position is a kind of armor against outside help. Deprived of an active life, such people hate their old age.
4. The elderly show hostility to the world in an aggressive form: they do not trust anyone, they consider their loved ones to be guilty of their old age, they hate their age.
5. An attitude of hostility towards oneself and one’s life makes elderly people passive and prone to depression. The feeling of loneliness and uselessness lead to the thought of imminent death, as getting rid of all misfortunes.

Social problems of the elderly are successfully solved in our private boarding house, where the ward, in the comfort of home, will receive not only qualified psychological and medical assistance, but will be able to escape from sad worries, to feel in the center of attention.

And it’s not only about treatment and care, but about the opportunity to find new acquaintances with similar interests, with those who share your views. A welcoming environment has a beneficial effect on the emotional background of older people and gives vitality.

five tips for older people / City news / Moscow website

A pilot project for senior citizens has started working in Moscow, which will help improve health, gain new knowledge and skills, and develop creatively. The program includes, depending on the wishes of the participants, the most popular areas – sports sections, creative laboratories, language classes in every district of the city. More than 35 thousand Muscovites have already decided to participate in the project. All lessons are free.

Is there a universal recipe for happy longevity? There are many ways and recommendations that everyone can follow. They help maintain strength, health and an active lifestyle for as long as possible.

Everyone ages differently

People grow up in about the same way: at the age of three there is a crisis of self-identification, by the age of six they read and write, from thirteen to seventeen they experience storms of adolescence. But the older we are, the more individual our development is.

According to Olga Tkacheva, chief geriatrician in Moscow, the aging process can vary greatly depending on a person’s personal predispositions, diseases and lifestyle.

“Aging can be extremely variable. One person will be very active at 80, while another at 80 will be dependent on others, ”says the specialist.

Of course, the process does have common features. With age, all internal systems change: for example, the tissues of the heart and blood vessels become more rigid, the production of certain hormones decreases, and the immune system weakens.Atrophic and degenerative processes develop in different organs and tissues. As a result, it becomes more difficult to complete even the simplest tasks.

But there are people who, even in their very old age, have retained vigor of body and clarity of mind. How did they do it?

Healthy life

This is perhaps the most important thing that a person who counts on a happy longevity should take care of.

“Prevention of aging should be done as early as possible.We can say that a healthy lifestyle should be a companion of a person from childhood, – emphasizes Olga Tkacheva and immediately adds: – On the other hand, it is never too late to engage in the prevention of aging, that is, you can start at any age.

The specialist gives simple advice: eat a balanced diet, do not deny yourself physical activity (even simple walks in the fresh air are useful). It would be nice to give up bad habits: smoking and alcohol add age.

“By the way, good sleep also affects the aging process,” adds Olga Tkacheva.

Catch the disease

Any sore gets bigger with age – such is the unpleasant law of nature.

“The older a person is, the higher his risk of developing age-related diseases: cardiovascular, cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and, of course, Alzheimer’s disease,” says Olga Tkacheva.

It is not yet possible to defeat this law – time still takes its toll, but it is quite possible to prevent diseases in the early stages and carry out prevention.In addition, it is very easy to undergo an examination in the capital: it is enough to come to one of the Moscow health centers operating on the basis of city polyclinics.

“It is necessary to identify this problem early, to engage in treatment at an early stage, and it is better to engage in prevention at all – this also slows down aging,” the specialist emphasizes.

Less is more

It’s one thing to watch your health, it’s another to feed yourself with drugs beyond measure.

“When a person takes a lot of drugs, that is also bad. Especially often, unfortunately, people begin to heal themselves, listen to advertisements on TV, neighbors’ recommendations. Probably, many have seen such boxes of medicines in the elderly: they drink both, and the fifth, and the tenth, and this has a bad effect on their health, because you only need to take what the doctor prescribed, “Olga Tkacheva is sure …

And if there are many health problems and the list of drugs is large? And here there is a solution – to contact a geriatrician with a request to balance the first aid kit.

“The less drugs, the slower aging occurs. This, again, does not mean that it is not necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations. This means that there is no need to self-medicate, ”adds Olga Tkacheva.

So that the mind is not idle

Lonely people age much faster – this is not lyrics, but a scientific fact. Olga Tkacheva advises in old age not to lock yourself in four walls, but, on the contrary, to communicate as much as possible.

“It is imperative to preserve social ties, you must not allow a person to be lonely,” the doctor notes.

And the higher the cognitive activity of a person, that is, the more he learns, reads, solves intellectual problems, the higher the likelihood that in old age he will be able to maintain clarity of thinking (and hence independence).

For example, participants in a pilot project dedicated to active longevity will have access to sports and dance classes, creative studios and lecture halls, language courses and computer classes. In general, all the conditions for the brain to continue to work actively.

Sporting behavior

You can run away from old age – in the literal sense. Physical activity has a positive effect on health and general condition at any age.

“The process of decreasing muscles slows down, the cardiovascular system is trained”, – lists the positive effects of physical education Olga Tkacheva.

According to her, several large studies were published in 2017, according to the results of which physical activity in older people reduces the risk of developing dementia and allows the nervous system to function normally. Simply put, in a healthy body, the spirit is really healthy. Moreover, the expert claims that the elderly have practically no restrictions on sports.

“If, for example, joints hurt or there is some other disease that limits physical activity, you still don’t have to give up exercise. We have to do it within the limits of the possible, ”emphasizes Olga Tkacheva.

Participants of the pilot project for older people can go in for different kinds of sports, depending on their area of ​​interest and wishes.This can be indoor and outdoor activities, such as gymnastics, Nordic walking. Physical education will help you stay fit, active and energetic.

To participate in the project, you need to register at the territorial center of social services. You can find out the addresses of the centers and get acquainted with the details of the project here.

90,000 Common health problems facing older people

As we get older, we are faced with a growing number of major life changes, including in our health.Learn about common health problems older people face and what you can do to stay healthy.

• Take early action against 7 conditions affecting the health of older people.

As you age, some general health problems arise, even if you have a relatively strong body. While you cannot control all the factors that affect your health, there is much you can do to reduce risks, improve your health, and live longer.

The key is to be aware of the signs and symptoms of common diseases that affect older people and to take timely measures to treat them.

7 common health problems facing older people

Experts name 7 common diseases that can develop in your golden years. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Eyes

Cataract can cause blurred vision, increased sensitivity to glare and double vision.

Glaucoma causes headaches, eye pain and nausea and sometimes blindness.

An annual eye exam detects glaucoma and other eye diseases at an early stage. Cataract surgery is a safe and common procedure. Glaucoma treatments include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatments, or surgery.

Heart

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms even when blood pressure readings are dangerously high.Obesity and diabetes increase the risk of hypertension. Complications include strokes and heart attacks.

Check for hypertension by regularly measuring blood pressure. Eat a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Pancreas

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Symptoms include increased thirst and frequent urination, increased hunger, weight loss despite eating more than usual, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing wounds, and frequent infections.

Diabetes mellitus can be detected with a blood glucose test. Beyond medications, manage your diabetes through diet and exercise.

Brain

Stroke

A stroke may cause sudden numbness, usually on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or swallowing, blurred vision, sudden difficulty walking, and fainting.

Call an ambulance urgently. You will have a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to find out if the stroke is caused by a blood clot or ruptured blood vessel and where it happened in the brain.An angiogram shows the degree of blockage in the blood vessels or the site of bleeding in the brain.

Stop smoking and maintain a healthy weight to prevent stroke.

Ears

Hearing impairment

It becomes hard to hear people when talking on the phone or in person. This can lead to social isolation. Not being able to hear warning sounds such as fire alarms or car horns can be dangerous.

Seek professional help for a hearing assessment. An otolaryngologist can assess your hearing and fit hearing aids.

Bones

Osteoporosis

In addition to bone or muscle pain, osteoporosis can cause compression fractures of the spine.

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak, brittle and prone to fractures, especially the hips, spine and wrists, which can lead to hospitalization or even death.

Take a bone mineral density test to see if you have osteoporosis. Maintain strong and healthy bones by eating a calcium-rich diet and resistance exercise.

Five rules to follow

Simple rules to help you stay healthy in old age.

Pixabay

The older generation is very different from the younger generation. And not only because he has rich life experience, knowledge and skills.The biological processes in the body of an elderly person are not similar to the processes of the body of a young person: useful substances are absorbed worse, otherwise energy is spent, and metabolic processes change. Often, older people need to reconsider their diet in order to feel comfortable and in harmony with their body.

Rospotrebnadzor gives five recommendations that must be followed when planning a menu for those over 60.

1.The food should contain a lot of protein, trace elements, vitamins, and the diet should be balanced.

Aging of the body is associated with a decrease in the number of cells of different types of tissues, their degradation. This is due to the lack of digestibility of nutrients required for regeneration. Therefore, the older a person becomes, the more he needs micro and macro elements, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber.

Insufficient protein intake leads to feelings of weakness and constant fatigue.The tissues of various organs, including the brain, are at risk. General physical functions of the body are reduced, there is a risk of contracting infections.

The body receives protein mostly from meat, which also contains a large amount of calcium and heme iron. A lack of calcium leads to fragility of bones, and anemia occurs due to an insufficient amount of iron. Therefore, it is necessary for the elderly to eat meat. It is recommended to eat a dish of meat, fish or poultry once a day, and once a week – from the liver.Milk, fermented milk products, cheese and eggs will also help fill in the lack of proteins, calcium and certain vitamins.

Vitamin absorption is a serious problem in the aging organism. Especially the elderly need vitamin A. It has antioxidant properties and protects cells from destruction. The main source of vitamin A is from animal products such as liver, milk and egg yolk. Plant products – fruits and vegetables, contain beta-carotene – a substance from which the body synthesizes vitamin A.

Particular attention should be paid to vitamin D. It is necessary for the absorption of calcium. The main source of vitamin D is fish. You can additionally take the appropriate dietary supplements and, of course, be on the street more often, go for a walk.

Vitamin C is essential for all people, especially the elderly. It supports immunity and takes an active part in the metabolism. It is abundant in bell peppers, citrus fruits, broccoli, kiwi, strawberries and tomatoes.

Vitamin B12 is also very important for the health of the elderly.Due to the violation of the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, it is less well absorbed from food. Its deficiency can lead to decreased vitality, psychological changes in personality and connective tissue disorders.

2. The food should contain the number of calories that provide the energy expenditure of the elderly person

The older a person gets, the less calories he consumes. The norm is 1,800 (for women) up to 2,200 kcal (for men).In old age, people, due to improper nutrition, are often overweight or, conversely, suffer from exhaustion. To bring your weight back to normal, you need proper nutrition. Sometimes it is difficult to do, because the problem is psychological, but such problems also need to be solved /

3. Adequate fluid intake must be provided with food.

Excretion of metabolic products depends on the amount of fluid in the body of the elderly.With a decrease in the amount of mucus in the large intestine and dehydration, older people often experience constipation. Due to the lack of fluid, problems with the urinary system also arise. The urine becomes more concentrated and less than necessary, and the kidneys begin to work harder.

To avoid these problems, you need to consume a sufficient amount of liquid from water, tea, juices, soups. It is also helpful to eat boiled or baked vegetables and fruits.

4.When cooking, you can and should add a small amount of different spices to food.

Spices accelerate metabolism, which helps the body to better absorb nutrients, and they also make food tasty and support appetite. Of course, you need to be careful with spices, as they may have contraindications for use.

5. It is necessary to withstand the power supply regime.

One of the main rules of nutrition at any age is to follow the regime.It is advisable for an elderly person to eat 5 times a day: breakfast, lunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. And it is best to eat at certain times – this way the food is absorbed more thoroughly.

In old age, the body experiences serious stress. Do not make it difficult for yourself with the wrong diet. Having adjusted the diet, the elderly person will feel better, and they will increase the strength to communicate with children and grandchildren. It’s okay to take care of your body, especially when you’re no longer young.Rospotrebnadzor will help with advice and indicate what to look for.

Based on materials from the site “HEALTHY FOOD” (https: //zdorovoe- nutrition.