Understanding Geriatric Health Conditions
Common Concerns and Solutions
Our bodies undergo numerous changes as we age, and these changes bring with them certain health issues. Dr. Maryam Khan seeks to shed light on the most prevalent health issues affecting the elderly, offering insights into their causes, symptoms, and practical remedies for happier, healthier senior years.
What Are Geriatric Health Conditions?
Geriatric health issues are disorders that mostly affect the elderly. They are sometimes known as geriatric syndromes or illnesses of aging. These disorders differ from common illnesses in that they frequently affect several bodily systems and have intricate underlying causes. There is a long list of health issues specific to the elderly, although some are more common than others.
Common Health Issues Among the Elderly
- Arthritis: Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are frequent in older adults, resulting in stiffness and discomfort in the joints.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): This condition raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes and is a major contributor to cardiovascular issues in the elderly.
- Diabetes: Controlling blood sugar levels is crucial as one age since diabetes can cause problems with the kidneys, heart, eyes, and other organs.
- Osteoporosis: This disorder weakens the bones, increasing the risk of fractures and breaks.
- Dementia: Disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease can impair cognition and cause memory loss.
Causes and Risk Factors
Prevention and efficient management of elderly health disorders depend on the grasp of their causes and risk factors:
- Age: Aging is normally considered one of the main factors responsible for several geriatric disorders. But there are other risk factors also, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment.
- Lifestyle: An unhealthy and inactive lifestyle with a poor diet, smoking, and binge drinking has a high potential of making an individual prone to diseases.
- Genetics: Genetics play an important role in your medical conditions, as a few people inherit diseases from their family.
Knowing the Signs and Challenges of Geriatric Health Disorders
When you are aging, many changes are considered common. They might include Muscle weakness, decline in hearing and vision, weak immune system, high blood pressure, and many more. Aging itself is not a disease, but it may lead to certain illnesses.
Major Geriatric Conditions
Geriatric disorder is one or more symptoms of particular diseases that are common in elderly people. There is no single reason for geriatric conditions. Sometimes, they may be caused by aging, while other times, environmental factors play a vital role. Some common geriatric conditions are as follows:
- Immobility
- Incontinence
- Instability
- Intellectual Impairment
Some people wish they didn’t get any disease when they start aging. But it’s rarely possible that someone is aging without facing any health challenges. Good news is that you can manage your health conditions with a well rounded plan of care discussed with your doctor.
Yes, there are some common dietary supplements, such as calcium, vitamins, and minerals, that may be needed for elderly people facing age-related medical issues. Furthermore, customized nutritional advice can be obtained by speaking with a qualified dietitian, in conjunction with your doctor.
Indeed, a lot of towns have senior centers, support groups, and other groups that aid older adults with geriatric health issues. These sites can provide seniors and their caregivers with important information, social connections, and emotional support.