Top Health Concerns for Seniors
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<strong>Top</strong> <strong>Health</strong><br />
CONCERNS<br />
FOR SENIORS<br />
Brought To You BY
Mobility issues<br />
Experts attest that nearly half of all people over 60<br />
and virtually everyone over age 80 suffers from<br />
osteoarthritis of some kind or another. The resulting<br />
pain can adversely affect the functionality of hips,<br />
knees, hands, feet and spine and make it difficult <strong>for</strong><br />
seniors to get around. Falls typically increase as well,<br />
so anything that can be done to lessen pain and<br />
arthritis-is-helpful.<br />
Tip: Pain relievers, gentle exercise, glucosamine and fish oil can help
Memory loss<br />
Forgetfulness is something that increases with<br />
age, but severe memory loss may indicate<br />
Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Some <strong>for</strong>ms of<br />
dementia are temporary, so seniors and<br />
caregivers need to be in open communication<br />
about any memory loss issues.<br />
Tip: See your doctor to discuss increasing memory loss.
Mental health<br />
Although physical health concerns top most lists<br />
<strong>for</strong> seniors, a person's mental health shouldn't be<br />
undervalued. Many seniors struggle with<br />
loneliness, anxiety (specifically over health<br />
concerns, financial needs and end of life issues),<br />
and the most common mental health issue,<br />
depression.<br />
Tip: Regularly engage with others, be open with caregivers about<br />
financial and medical concerns
Obesity<br />
Being overweight or obese increases a person's risk<br />
of death from numerous maladies including type 2<br />
diabetes, heart disease, various types of cancers and<br />
more. Quality of life is clearly affected, and the<br />
higher the scale shows, the higher risk <strong>for</strong> serious<br />
disease. Although changing to a healthy eating<br />
lifestyle late in life is difficult, it's not impossible.<br />
Tip: Educate yourself (or the senior in your life) about making healthy eating<br />
choices and follow through on a plan to lose weight under your doctor's<br />
supervision
Heart disease<br />
As the leading killer of people over 65, heart disease<br />
is a chronic condition with risk factors. Indicators of<br />
trouble are high blood pressure, high cholesterol,<br />
obesity and strokes.<br />
Tip: Exercise, eat well, get a good night's rest
Cancer<br />
As the second leading cause of death in individuals<br />
over 65, cancer is a huge concern. Catching it early<br />
through regular screenings (mammogram,<br />
colonoscopies, skin checks) is best, and many types<br />
of cancer are treatable.<br />
Tip: Get regular screenings; improve quality of life by working closely with<br />
your medical team and adhering to their healthy senior living<br />
recommendations.
Other <strong>Top</strong> <strong>Concerns</strong><br />
Since every individual and his or her health concerns<br />
are unique, you may have other issues to deal with.<br />
Some other less but still important heath concerns<br />
involve osteoporosis, vision and eye disease,<br />
incontinence, hearing loss, oral health, poverty,<br />
substance abuse, respiratory diseases, environmental<br />
quality and access to quality medical health care.
Thank You!<br />
Home Care Assistance of Dayton offers hourly and live-in<br />
home care <strong>for</strong> seniors and elders in Dayton, OH. We<br />
have a team of skilled Caregivers and devoted Care<br />
Managers who work to create tailored care plans unique<br />
as the clients we serve.<br />
: 6109 Far Hills Avenue Dayton, Ohio 45459<br />
: (937) 353-7997<br />
: http://www.homecareassistancedayton.com/