As you may already be aware, getting old can certainly be a daunting thought. This is because your body goes through so many changes; at times, it’s hard to adjust to the fact that you have to slow down.
While it’s all a part of life, it’s understandable that you may have some concerns about your wellbeing. Thankfully, by knowing what to watch out for, you might be able to avoid certain complications.
In this article, we are going to talk about just some of the common health concerns that can occur in older adults.
Are you interested in learning more? Then keep on reading.
Physical Injury
As we age, we become more susceptible and prone to physical injuries. This is heavily due to a lack of coordination and a loss of balance, strength, and flexibility.
In some cases, certain conditions may cause somewhat “minor injuries” to do quite severe damage. This is why it’s so important to learn how we can limit harmful events from occurring.
One tip to consider is making home modifications to improve your safety. However, you’ll need to research what steps you should take. These fall prevention questions and answers are a great place to get started.
Cognitive Health
Many people focus on the physical side of health conditions, but the cognitive issues are equally concerning. This is where an individual’s ability to remember, think and learn is affected by age.
Perhaps one of the most significant issues you could have heard of is Dementia, a form of Alzheimer’s disease. The affected may experience memory loss and have trouble with judgment. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure.
Mental Health
Aging can be a difficult concept to come to terms with. It’s inevitable, but we may not know how to physically cope with all the things happening to us. These emotions can lead to mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety.
Luckily, there are things that you can do to limit the likelihood of this occurring. This includes remaining social, seeking support, and improving your living conditions so that you are safe and comfortable.
You can read more about gaining a positive mindset here.
Vision and Hearing Problems
Another problem that can occur as we age is issues with our vision and hearing. These can’t often be prevented, but treating some of the different conditions is possible.
For instance, eyeglasses and certain surgeries can assist with impaired vision depending on the cause. There are also various types of technology, such as wearable hearing aids for those that suffer from hearing loss.
Malnutrition
Most people would assume that obesity is a common medical concern as we get older, and while it’s true, it’s often malnutrition that is more serious. Due to other issues, such as Dementia, depression, and dietary restrictions, elderly individuals may not be consuming the nutrients that they need.
Some may even struggle to prepare their own meals or might not have the finances to buy the necessary groceries and supplements. It’s certainly a significant concern, especially as it can cause further problems if it gets worse.
Oral Health
Losing teeth is another sign of aging, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about your oral health. If anything, it’s even more critical to ensure that you take great care of the pearly whites you have left.
Regular check-ups (at least once every six months) can help you get on top of any problems before they cause unnecessary damage. You may also need to speak to your doctor in case any medications are contributing to things such as dry mouth and gum disease.
Addiction
It might sound strange to include addiction on this list, but substance abuse is a genuine and common concern in older adults. Due to the issues mentioned, it’s not uncommon for elderly individuals to be prescribed a large variety of medications.
Without careful management, some of these (especially painkillers) can become addictive, and the individual will feel dependent. They may become frustrated and anxious and even try to find alternative options from other patients.
Final Words
As you can see from the above, there are many different health concerns that older adults can face. However, it would help if you weren’t afraid or concerned by this list. Instead of worrying about what can happen, focus on preventative techniques and improving your overall wellbeing.
When in doubt – call your GP. They will be able to offer you the best advice and answer any questions you may have about your current condition.