Top Health Concerns for Seniors

Top Health
CONCERNS
FOR SENIORS
Brought To You BY

Mobility issues
Experts attest that nearly half of all people over 60
and virtually everyone over age 80 suffers from
osteoarthritis of some kind or another. The resulting
pain can adversely affect the functionality of hips,
knees, hands, feet and spine and make it difficult for
seniors to get around. Falls typically increase as well,
so anything that can be done to lessen pain and
arthritis-is-helpful.
Tip: Pain relievers, gentle exercise, glucosamine and fish oil can help

Memory loss
Forgetfulness is something that increases with
age, but severe memory loss may indicate
Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Some forms of
dementia are temporary, so seniors and
caregivers need to be in open communication
about any memory loss issues.
Tip: See your doctor to discuss increasing memory loss.

Mental health
Although physical health concerns top most lists
for seniors, a person's mental health shouldn't be
undervalued. Many seniors struggle with
loneliness, anxiety (specifically over health
concerns, financial needs and end of life issues),
and the most common mental health issue,
depression.
Tip: Regularly engage with others, be open with caregivers about
financial and medical concerns

Obesity
Being overweight or obese increases a person's risk
of death from numerous maladies including type 2
diabetes, heart disease, various types of cancers and
more. Quality of life is clearly affected, and the
higher the scale shows, the higher risk for serious
disease. Although changing to a healthy eating
lifestyle late in life is difficult, it's not impossible.
Tip: Educate yourself (or the senior in your life) about making healthy eating
choices and follow through on a plan to lose weight under your doctor's
supervision

Heart disease
As the leading killer of people over 65, heart disease
is a chronic condition with risk factors. Indicators of
trouble are high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
obesity and strokes.
Tip: Exercise, eat well, get a good night's rest

Cancer
As the second leading cause of death in individuals
over 65, cancer is a huge concern. Catching it early
through regular screenings (mammogram,
colonoscopies, skin checks) is best, and many types
of cancer are treatable.
Tip: Get regular screenings; improve quality of life by working closely with
your medical team and adhering to their healthy senior living
recommendations.

Other Top Concerns
Since every individual and his or her health concerns
are unique, you may have other issues to deal with.
Some other less but still important heath concerns
involve osteoporosis, vision and eye disease,
incontinence, hearing loss, oral health, poverty,
substance abuse, respiratory diseases, environmental
quality and access to quality medical health care.

Thank You!
Home Care Assistance of Dayton offers hourly and live-in
home care for seniors and elders in Dayton, OH. We
have a team of skilled Caregivers and devoted Care
Managers who work to create tailored care plans unique
as the clients we serve.
: 6109 Far Hills Avenue Dayton, Ohio 45459
: (937) 353-7997
: http://www.homecareassistancedayton.com/