It is a non-neglected part that with time passing, everybody gets ages and while it might be daunting for some again this is the age that is crucial and needs more caring than any other.
The common neglected problems to address for senior citizens you are going to mention below are referred to as geriatric syndromes affect directly to health and quality of life. Even though this can be found in the people who grow older, countless people get affected especially undergoing the age of 60s and 70s.
These problems affect the ability of senior people to socialize, stay physically active, and take care of themselves hence practicing these enables healthier aging. Seniors having problems like as discussed below can also read more about their symptoms and also want to get some medical aid then they can visit myaarpmedicare.com
Top 10 Commonly Neglected Problems to Address for Senior Citizens
- Chronic Health Conditions
- Cognitive Health
- Mental Health
- Malnutritions
- Sensory Impairments
- Oral Health
- Bladder Control and Constipation
- Substance Abuse
- Physical Injury
- Isolation and Loneliness
Chronic Health Conditions
According to the National Council of Aging report, more than 92 percent of seniors have at least one chronic disease and 77 percent have at least two. Among these diseases, the most common diseases include, diabetes and cancer and there are around two-thirds of the deaths every year that are caused by chronic diseases. Obesity is another growing problem among older adults as well. Hence to tackle or minimize these chronic health issues an annual meeting with a physician helps you manage and check them.
Cognitive Health
Cognitive health is related to the person’s ability to think, learn, and remember. The most common problem noticed elderly is dementia. It is estimated that approximately 4.7 million people worldwide suffer from dementia and the number is predicted to increase by tripling by 2050. The most common dementia is Alzheimer’s disease and more than 5 million people crossing the age of 65 suffer from the disease in the United States.
Mental Health
The report from the World Health Organization more than 15 percent of adults crossing the age of 60 suffer from mental disorders. The mental disorder among seniors includes depression, which occurs in 7 percent of the elderly population. But yet, unfortunately, these mental disorders are often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle, the betterment of living conditions, friends, and support groups help best to treat depression.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition in older adults crossing the age of 65 is often underdiagnosed and hence leads to other elderly health issues including the weakness of muscles and immune system. These causes of malnutrition can stem from other health problems like depression, alcoholism, dietary restrictions, reduced social contact, and limited income.
Sensory Impairments
Sensory impairments such as vision and hearing issues are extremely common for older Americans over the age of 70. One report from CDC shows that one out of six older adults are visually impaired and one out of four is hearing impaired. And luckily both these issues are easily treatable with the help of glasses or hearing aids for seniors. Again new technologies further enhance the assessment of hearing loss and wearability of hearing aids.
Oral Health
Oral health is usually a neglected segment of senior people. The CEC’s Division of Oral Health reports that there is more than 25 percent of adults crossing the age of 65 no longer have their natural teeth problems such as cavities and tooth decay that can lead to maintaining a healthy diet, low self-esteem, mouth cancer, gum disease, etc. These conditions can be managed by making regular dental checkups.
These difficulties for seniors access due to dental insurance after retirement or other economic disadvantages.
Bladder Control and Constipation
urinary incontinence and constipation are common with the growing age and can impact the adult quality of life. And these can be the side effect of problems such as not eating well-balanced diets, suffering from chronic health conditions, etc.
Substance Abuse
Alcohol or drug-related substance abuse is more common among seniors than realized. A report from the National Council on Aging says that the number of older adults with the problems of substance abuse is expected to double by 5 million by 2020. Another study by the National Institute of Drugs shows that drug abuse typically results from suffering mental deficits or taking another patient’s medication because of their inability to pay their own.
Physical Injury
Every 15 seconds, an older adult is reported in the emergency room for falls and physical injury. A senior dies from falling every 29 minutes. This is not just information but the report and result of the study. It is because aging causes problems like bone shrink, and muscle loss of flexibility, and seniors at this age are more susceptible to losing their balance. This is so negligible that many people don’t even consider it. And the only thing that can prevent it is education, increased physical activity, and practice modification within the home.
Isolation and Loneliness
Both isolation and loneliness are linked with physical health decline. Study shows that 43 percent of adults report loneliness and death ability within 6 years.
You can go with Psychotherapies that include Mindfulness and social contact that usually assist senior citizens from getting out and about.
