Author : Dr. P. D. GUPTA
Former Director Grade Scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
www.daylife.page
In the article “Born to Die but why do we age?” I indicated that one who is born later or sooner will die. We feel as we grow older very much enthusiastic but after certain age we start worrying. . Problems of the elderly causes can be attributed to a number of factors. Everyday problems for the elderly include physical health, mental health, ageism, and financial insecurity. Below, we will take a look at problems faced by senior citizens and solutions. , the Indian elderly are more likely to suffer from chronic than acute illness. The biggest challenges to older adults between 65 to 79 years old in late adulthood include:
· Coping with life adjustments:
· Dealing with changes such as retirement and loss of loved ones.
· Seeking love, intimacy, and companionship:
· Addressing emotional needs and relationships.
Planning for a healthy future in the later years is as important as planning for the financial future. Seniors often face a variety of health conditions that can affect their overall quality of life. By learning about what the top 10 health concerns for seniors are, you can make some adjustments to your lifestyle that can allow you to age as healthy as possible.
Some of the most common health problems in the elderly include:
Brain functions. While some memory loss is common as one ages, 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. As many as one in five seniors experience mental health issues not associated with aging.
Balance issues. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and maintaining the balance and mobility is key in fall prevention.
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.
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.
Osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. 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.
Respiratory diseases. Conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can worsen the older you become. However, there are varieties of medications available that allow you to breathe easier.
Type 2 diabetes. It’s estimated that 25 percent of adults age 65 and older have 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.
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.
Vision or/and hearing loss. Maintaining regular screenings for the vision and hearing is vital as we 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.
Cancers The risk for some types of cancer also increases as one ages. 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.
Exercise, illness, and longevity
A proper exercise program will help seniors delay many of the changes of aging, particularly when they combine it with other preventive measures. And the same program can help ward off many of the chronic illnesses that too often tarnish a man's golden years.
Heart disease is the leading killer. Because exercise helps improve so many cardiac risk factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and stress), it should have a powerful protective influence on heart attacks — and it does. Back in 1978, the Harvard Alumni Study found that men who exercise regularly are 39% less likely to suffer heart attacks than their sedentary peers. It was a groundbreaking observation, and it's been confirmed many times over.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death. Like heart disease, many strokes are caused by atherosclerosis, which is why heart attacks and stroke share so many risk factors. It's no surprise, then, that exercise can reduce the risk of stroke. Twenty-four years after its report on exercise and heart disease, the Harvard Alumni Study linked mild exercise to a 24% risk reduction; moderate to intensive exercise was even better, reducing risk by 46%.
Cancer is different — but exercise can also help fight the nation's second leading killer. Colon cancer is the clearest example; Harvard's Health Professionals Follow-Up Study found that highly active men are 47% less likely to develop the disease than their sedentary peers, and many other studies agree. Although the evidence is far less conclusive, regular exercise may even help prevent prostate cancer. (The author has his own study and views)
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