Common Health Problems in Elderly People

Health problems in elderly people tend to be under-diagnosed and sub-optimally treated. Correctly managing them is essential for healthier aging.

Being aware of the common health problems that most elderly individuals face will help families plan prevention techniques and be prepared for any impending health emergencies. These include: Stomach and digestive issues, including nausea and constipation. Urinary tract problems, and weakening immune system that causes the body to take longer to fight infections such as pneumonia.

Heart disease

The heart is one of the most important organs in the body. However, as you age, it becomes more prone to problems like coronary artery disease. This happens when fatty deposits (or plaque) gradually build up on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This narrows the arteries, cutting off oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This can cause chest pain called angina and may lead to heart attack or stroke.

Other cardiovascular diseases include heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and problems with the aorta – the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. These diseases are the leading causes of death in the world, killing 17.9 million people each year.

You should look out for signs of heart disease in your elderly loved ones. These may include unexplained fatigue, a feeling of pressure or pain in the chest, back, arms or jaw, especially when it disappears after exercise or with rest, and shortness of breath.

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible brain disorder that gradually erodes the memory and other cognitive abilities. It is the most common form of dementia seen in older adults. It may develop because of changes or differences in the genes. It can also be caused by an infection or other medical conditions.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary depending on the stage of the condition. Symptoms in the mild stage include forgetting recently learned information, having trouble finding words and taking longer to complete routine daily tasks. People in this stage may also start to lose items more frequently or forget where they put them.

The early stages of Alzheimer’s can look like normal age-related forgetfulness, so it is important to talk to a physician about any concerns you have about your loved one. This can help diagnose the condition sooner and allow for treatment that slows its progression. A physician can perform tests to rule out other causes of a person’s symptoms, such as blood and urine samples or MRI and CT scans.

Asthma

A chronic inflammatory disease that affects the lungs, asthma causes the airways to become swollen and narrow. This makes breathing difficult and can lead to wheezing, coughing and chest tightness or pain. This condition is a long-term illness that needs treatment, but it can be managed well with medication.

As people age, their immune systems weaken, making them more susceptible to illnesses like the flu and pneumonia. Getting an annual flu vaccine can help prevent this and other infections in seniors.





Elderly adults should also avoid smoking and take precautions to minimise outdoor and indoor air pollution. Certain foods, such as sulfites and other food additives can trigger an allergic reaction that can worsen asthma symptoms. Other triggers include irritants in workplaces, such as paint sprayers, bakers, timber workers and animal handlers. This type of asthma is called occupational asthma. It isn’t the same as asthma that develops for other reasons, such as stress or exercise.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a common problem in elderly adults. It affects the way the body processes sugar and can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes can also lead to a loss of vision. It’s important for elderly people to get a flu shot each year to prevent influenza or pneumonia.

As you age, your heart and blood vessels naturally change. These changes can cause high blood pressure, which is called hypertension. Hypertension can damage the kidneys and eyes. It can also increase your risk of stroke, heart attack and other health problems.

Older adults are more likely to have several conditions at the same time, which is called polypharmacy. Polypharmacy can cause complications such as hypoglycemia and drug interactions. It’s more common in frail older people and those with severe or multiple medical problems. It can also be hard for older people to read glucose meters and dose scales on insulin syringes.