Difference between revisions of "Physical Problems of Old Age"

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Physical problems of old age are a result of a range of molecular and cellular damage that leads to declines in physical and mental capacity, growing disease risk and death. These changes are neither linear nor consistent and they do not appear to be influenced by a person's chronological age, although they may be related to life transitions such as retirement or relocation to more permanent housing.<br /><br />Loss of muscle mass (deltamuscle) is one of the most common age-related physical changes. It is a normal part of aging, but can also be treated with exercise and medication.<br /><br />Bone loss, also known as osteoporosis, is another important change that can occur in older adults. It can lead to fractures and breaks, but it is treatable with medications and supplements such as calcium and vitamin D.<br /><br />Dehydration, or the absence of adequate fluids in the body, is a common problem in older adults. [https://www.personalmedicalalarms.co.nz/ NZ Medical Alarms] It can be caused by a lack of proper fluid intake, or by not eating enough foods with fiber.<br /><br />Defecation difficulties, or the inability to defecate properly, is also a common problem for many older people. It can be embarrassing, limiting social or recreational activities, and it is often linked to depression.<br /><br />Eating a healthy diet and getting adequate physical activity are also important for preventing some of the most common physical issues associated with old age. A nutritious diet and regular physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, promotes muscle strength, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.
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Healthy aging involves avoiding health problems and correctly treating the ones that do occur. Yet some issues routinely slip through the cracks of usual medical care.<br /><br />Many of these are age related, such as high blood pressure or urinary incontinence. Others are due to illness such as diabetes or a stroke.<br /><br />1. Joint Pain<br /><br />Injuries and overuse can lead to joint pain as people age. This is often referred to as 'wear and tear' arthritis, although new symptoms should prompt professionals for assessment.<br /><br />During a physical exam, doctors look at the joints and listen for sounds (such as creaking) when they move. They also test for swelling, redness and tenderness.<br /><br />Treatment options include nonprescription acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control pain and inflammation. In some cases, joint replacement is a good option.<br /><br />Keeping active is another prescription for reducing joint pain. Exercise can decrease pain and stiffness, strengthen muscles around the joints and improve range of motion. Drinking enough water can help as well. This will help keep the synovial fluid that lubricates joints hydrated. Try to eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight, which will take pressure off the joints.<br /><br />2. Headaches<br /><br />Headaches are very common in geriatric patients. They can be caused by eye diseases, stress or a lack of sleep. They may also be a sign of a health problem such as a stroke or a brain hemorrhage.<br /><br />A new headache in an elderly patient should be considered a red flag. The onset of a new headache in an older adult should prompt a thorough neurological examination including a neck examination and noncontrast CT scan.<br /><br />Several headache disorders such as migraine and tension-type headaches are found more commonly in the older age group. Diseases such as giant cell arteritis, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, intracranial mass lesion and obstructive sleep apnea are often associated with headache in the elderly. Secondary headaches such as hypnic and medication overuse headache are more frequent in this age group.<br /><br />3. Muscle Pain<br /><br />Almost everyone experiences sore, aching muscles at some time. These may involve a single area or the entire body. The pain is usually mild to moderate and often gets better within a few days.<br /><br />However, if the pain is severe or lasts for more than 3 days, you should see your doctor. They may recommend ice packs, warm baths, or heat pads. You should also drink lots of fluids to keep your muscles well hydrated.<br /><br /> [https://www.personalmedicalalarms.co.nz/ medical alarm] As you get older, bones and joints become less dense, which can make them more likely to fracture. Your muscles can also lose strength, flexibility, and endurance with age. This can lead to a loss of balance and coordination. Your digestive system may also change, causing you to have more frequent, unsatisfactory bowel movements.<br /><br />4. Bone Pain<br /><br />Bone pain can be caused by many injuries and health conditions. Some of them are very serious and require immediate medical attention. They include osteoporosis (a disease that decreases bone density), a fracture of a bone, and cancer metastasis (cancer that spreads to the bones).<br /><br />Bone and bone joint pain typically feels dull and achy. It may get worse at night and hurt when you move the affected area of your body.<br /><br />Bone pain can occur in any bone in the body. But it’s most common in the spine and hip. It can also affect your ribs, ankles, knees, and shoulders. This type of pain is hard to treat with current analgesics. It’s also difficult to distinguish from other types of pain. This can make it difficult to know when the pain isn’t normal.<br /><br />5. Dementia<br /><br />Dementia is the most serious physical problem people experience in old age. It is a disease caused by diseases that destroy nerve cells in the brain, leading to decline in memory and thinking skills. The symptoms vary by person, and they get worse over time.<br /><br />Symptoms include forgetting names and having trouble performing daily tasks, such as eating or using the toilet. It can also lead to uncoordinated movements and tremors, known as parkinsonism.<br /><br />It is important to know the signs of dementia so you can act quickly. Some people don’t realise or deny that they are getting dementia, so it is a good idea to encourage them to visit their doctor for a check up if you notice any changes. Familiar music can also trigger memories, and it’s a good idea to limit medicines that can make dementia worse, such as sedatives.

Revision as of 09:11, 17 November 2023

Healthy aging involves avoiding health problems and correctly treating the ones that do occur. Yet some issues routinely slip through the cracks of usual medical care.

Many of these are age related, such as high blood pressure or urinary incontinence. Others are due to illness such as diabetes or a stroke.

1. Joint Pain

Injuries and overuse can lead to joint pain as people age. This is often referred to as 'wear and tear' arthritis, although new symptoms should prompt professionals for assessment.

During a physical exam, doctors look at the joints and listen for sounds (such as creaking) when they move. They also test for swelling, redness and tenderness.

Treatment options include nonprescription acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control pain and inflammation. In some cases, joint replacement is a good option.

Keeping active is another prescription for reducing joint pain. Exercise can decrease pain and stiffness, strengthen muscles around the joints and improve range of motion. Drinking enough water can help as well. This will help keep the synovial fluid that lubricates joints hydrated. Try to eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight, which will take pressure off the joints.

2. Headaches

Headaches are very common in geriatric patients. They can be caused by eye diseases, stress or a lack of sleep. They may also be a sign of a health problem such as a stroke or a brain hemorrhage.

A new headache in an elderly patient should be considered a red flag. The onset of a new headache in an older adult should prompt a thorough neurological examination including a neck examination and noncontrast CT scan.

Several headache disorders such as migraine and tension-type headaches are found more commonly in the older age group. Diseases such as giant cell arteritis, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, intracranial mass lesion and obstructive sleep apnea are often associated with headache in the elderly. Secondary headaches such as hypnic and medication overuse headache are more frequent in this age group.

3. Muscle Pain

Almost everyone experiences sore, aching muscles at some time. These may involve a single area or the entire body. The pain is usually mild to moderate and often gets better within a few days.

However, if the pain is severe or lasts for more than 3 days, you should see your doctor. They may recommend ice packs, warm baths, or heat pads. You should also drink lots of fluids to keep your muscles well hydrated.

medical alarm As you get older, bones and joints become less dense, which can make them more likely to fracture. Your muscles can also lose strength, flexibility, and endurance with age. This can lead to a loss of balance and coordination. Your digestive system may also change, causing you to have more frequent, unsatisfactory bowel movements.

4. Bone Pain

Bone pain can be caused by many injuries and health conditions. Some of them are very serious and require immediate medical attention. They include osteoporosis (a disease that decreases bone density), a fracture of a bone, and cancer metastasis (cancer that spreads to the bones).

Bone and bone joint pain typically feels dull and achy. It may get worse at night and hurt when you move the affected area of your body.

Bone pain can occur in any bone in the body. But it’s most common in the spine and hip. It can also affect your ribs, ankles, knees, and shoulders. This type of pain is hard to treat with current analgesics. It’s also difficult to distinguish from other types of pain. This can make it difficult to know when the pain isn’t normal.

5. Dementia

Dementia is the most serious physical problem people experience in old age. It is a disease caused by diseases that destroy nerve cells in the brain, leading to decline in memory and thinking skills. The symptoms vary by person, and they get worse over time.

Symptoms include forgetting names and having trouble performing daily tasks, such as eating or using the toilet. It can also lead to uncoordinated movements and tremors, known as parkinsonism.

It is important to know the signs of dementia so you can act quickly. Some people don’t realise or deny that they are getting dementia, so it is a good idea to encourage them to visit their doctor for a check up if you notice any changes. Familiar music can also trigger memories, and it’s a good idea to limit medicines that can make dementia worse, such as sedatives.

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