Older people may suffer from chronic conditions due to the physiological changes that occur due to aging. These may include slower metabolism, body aches, chronic pulmonary, cardiac, or renal diseases, diabetes, depression, and dementia. Kidney diseases, also known as renal diseases, are commonly found among older adults and steadily affect their quality of life. In [...]
Aging is an inevitable process that, along with all the other organs, affects the largest body organ, i.e., the skin. Skin changes also depend upon many factors, such as UV rays from the sun, loss of fatty tissues, and stress. Skin changes that occur due to aging include Rough or dry skin Loosening facial skin [...]
According to the WHO (World Health Organization), about 16 % of older adults aged 60 or more have experienced some form of elder abuse in the past year. But unfortunately, only 4% of elder abuse gets reported. Let's discuss how we can recognize and manage elder abuse. What is elder abuse? Elder abuse refers to [...]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 11% of Americans aged 60 or more have high total cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, high levels of bad cholesterol increase the risk for cardiac, vascular, and kidney diseases. However, some efforts can be made to manage and prevent cholesterol problems in old age. Before discussing [...]
Because of the increased risk of developing medical problems in old age, we may need multiple medications. However, excessive use of medical drugs can lead to adverse drug effects. This article will discuss the health risks associated with taking many medications in old age and strategies to manage them. Why is it common in old [...]
Because of the increased risk of developing medical problems in old age, we may need multiple medications. However, excessive use of medical drugs can lead to adverse drug effects. This article will discuss the health risks associated with taking many medications in old age and strategies to manage them. Why is it common in old [...]
Good balance can help us get around, perform daily activities, and stay independent despite aging. But unfortunately, aging and other chronic diseases can cause various balance issues in the elderly. Balance problems in old age put us at increased risk for falls and physical traumas. Let’s discuss the signs of balance problems in older adults, [...]
Aging makes us prone to various chronic health problems. Sometimes, these problems can limit our daily living activities such as walking, eating, cooking, dressing, shopping or using the toilet. Although assisted living or nursing homes can provide such services for the elderly, we prefer to age-in-place, i.e., our homes. Home care assistance can help us [...]
Fatigue is a common symptom, usually characterized by excessive tiredness and a generalized lack of energy. About 40-70% of US older adults experience fatigue in old age. Let’s discuss the main signs, causes, and remedies of fatigue in the elderly. How does fatigue present in old age? In our elder years, we may have the [...]
Constipation is a prevalent condition in older adults, and its incidence increases with age. About 16% of men and 26% of women aged 65 or more have been struggling with constipation. This article will discuss the signs of chronic constipation, its causes, and remedies. Clinical presentation Constipation can present with the following signs and symptoms, [...]