As people age, they are more prone to getting sick. This is because the body’s immune system weakens over time. There are a number of illnesses that affect the elderly, and it is important for caregivers and family members to be aware of them so they can provide the necessary care. In this article, we will discuss eight common illnesses that affect the elderly and what you can do to help them deal with them.
Sleep Disorders
As we age, our metabolism slows down, which affects the way we sleep. When people get older, they most likely need less sleep. However, it is essential that they still get enough rest every night so their bodies can rejuvenate and replenish energy.
As a caregiver, your role is to make sure the patient sleeps in a dark and quiet room with comfortable bedding. Make sure there are no distractions in the bedroom that might disrupt their sleep. You can also encourage them to take naps during the day so they are not excessively tired at night.
If the patient complains of not being able to sleep at night, you can help them relax before going to bed by giving them a warm bath and reading a book out loud. You can also try aromatherapy by placing lavender or chamomile-scented candles around the room.
Hypothyroidism
This condition is one that many older people suffer from, but since there are no major symptoms that manifest, many people remain unaware that they have it. It is a condition brought about by an underactive thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, it affects a person’s metabolism, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of this condition include fatigue, brittle nails, cold sensitivity, dry skin, weight gain and memory loss. Also, people who have this condition can develop goiter and even heart disease.
The best way to deal with the symptoms is by seeing a doctor and undergoing thyroid treatment.
Various types of dementia
Dementia is a debilitating neurological disorder that typically affects elderly people. There are three types of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. People with this condition typically show symptoms such as memory loss, mood swings, confusion, and poor judgment skills.
Caregivers play a vital role in the lives of people who have dementia by encouraging them to eat properly, take their medication regularly and get plenty of rest. You can also encourage your loved one to exercise regularly so that their brain stays active. If they are unable to do this on their own, you can help them by engaging in exercises with them.
Osteoporosis
If you want to prevent your elderly loved one from developing osteoporosis, then it is important that they get enough calcium in their diets. Failure to do this can result in brittle bones.
This includes drinking plenty of milk products, eating leafy vegetables like kale and broccoli, or taking other calcium-rich supplements. Keep in mind that it can take several years for people to develop osteoporosis, which means that you should not wait until the elderly person already has an established case of the condition before you act.
If they already have osteoporosis, you can help them by making sure they do not fall and fracture their bones. You can also encourage your elderly loved ones to eat foods that are high in vitamin D such as fish or eggs.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause great pain in the joints. This typically affects people who are overweight or have done a lot of strenuous physical work in the past.
Important to remember is that age is just another risk factor, so it can affect even younger adults. Strenuous physical activity may not be advisable for people who have arthritis, but they can still do less strenuous tasks, such as gardening or cleaning the house. You can help people with arthritis by encouraging them to exercise regularly. There are certain exercises that can help strengthen their muscles, which will increase their joint strength and may also reduce the pain.
Heart Disease
Elderly people are more at risk of developing heart disease if they have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or obesity issues. Of course, the best way to prevent heart disease is to have a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
In the caregiving role, you can encourage your loved ones to keep track of their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as eat a healthy diet low in fat. You can also help them by encouraging them to exercise for 30 minutes per day so they can maintain a healthy weight.
Depression
A person who is depressed usually has a lot of trouble concentrating, staying motivated, and even moving around. People with depression may feel helpless and hopeless, which may lead to increased alcohol use or other addictions that only serve to make their condition worse. If you notice that your elderly loved one seems sad all the time, their lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed may be an indication that they are suffering from depression.
You can help people who are dealing with depression by approaching them in an understanding way and encouraging them to seek medical treatment. You can also take the initiative by researching local counseling services or support groups where they can meet others who might be suffering from depression.
Cancer
Cancer is one of the more serious illnesses that can affect older adults, but it does not automatically mean that the patient has to die because many forms of cancer are treatable. Some of the most common forms of cancer in elderly people include breast, prostate, and lung cancer.
When your elderly loved one begins to show symptoms of cancer, you can help them by encouraging them to seek medical treatment. You could also research local counseling services or support groups where they can meet other people who are dealing with the same illness.
