Health > Mindfully Understanding Problems of Old Age  
7th Mar 2022
Old-age-problems
Health

Mindfully Understanding Problems of Old Age  

Planning for long-term health is just as vital as planning for long term financial prospects. Seniors frequently face health issues that might have an impact on their general standard of living. By understanding the most prevalent health problems of old age, seniors may be able to make some lifestyle changes that will help them age as healthy as possible.  

How does different social phenomenon impact the downsides of old age? What are the most common health issues faced in old age and what can be done to prevent these health hazards?  

In this article, we will try to understand some of the most frequently asked questions about the well-being of senior members in our lives. 

Many outdated assumptions about senior citizens and their lifestyles can lead to isolation and discrimination in various spheres of life. Assistance to seniors by devising novel methods to integrate them into the community can help retain their perspective of identity and self. This can be achieved through social activities and drawing the richness of information and expertise they possess, also an important factor for society’s progress.  

How does Emoha assist seniors through their old age?  

The Emoha app (available on your device’s app store) provides support and guidance for senior citizens to tackle the various ailments brought on by old age. Emoha has been empowering seniors with services like providing dedicated personal care for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, 24/7 medical and non-medical emergency assistance, live interactive events and activities, one-tap concierge services and much more. 

What does Ageing mean?  

Ageing is a byproduct of a range of cellular and molecular degradation activities over time. This leads to a loss of progressive cognitive functioning, an increased risk of disease and, eventually, death. These alterations are neither linear nor continuous, and only mildly related to chronological age. Aside from biological changes, ageing is also linked to other life transitions such as retirement, moving to more permanent housing, and losing friends and lovers. 

Factors influencing Health at old age  

Older individuals enrich their families and communities in a variety of ways. However, the scope of these possibilities and efforts is largely controlled by one factor – Health. 

Seniors’ capacity to perform the activities they enjoy will be similar to their younger selves if they can enjoy these later years in perfect health conditions and a nurturing environment. The consequences of old age problems and a biased society are more severe if these golden years are dominated by a major decline in physical and mental capabilities. Even though some differences in senior health are genetic, the majority is because of people’s individual physical and social settings, such as their houses, neighbourhoods, communities, and also personal factors, such as gender, ethnicity, or financial position. The environmental settings wherein individuals grow up merge with their specific temperament and influence how they mature in the long run. 

General problems faced in old age  

Living longer is easier in these times, but the work and retirement arenas have not evolved at the same rate. Many seniors, capable and eager to work beyond the traditional retirement period, find their options limited. Moreover, the prevalence of online or remote tasks complicates day-to-day money management and future planning for seniors, increasing their vulnerability to fraud and scams.

As seniors age, their flexibility and coordination deteriorate, making routine chores more challenging. This deterioration can lead to increased isolation, preventing seniors from being sociable, pursuing interests, or participating in activities they cherish. Seniors need assistance to remain independent and continue growing as individuals. Providing senior-centric goods and programs focused on safety, balance, fitness, and mobility can help.

Healthcare can overwhelm seniors, especially those with long-term illnesses. Organizing and managing their specific courses of treatment requires coordinating with a large number of different medical specialists and institutions.

How to manage health hazards for seniors?  

Moderate fitness with a well-balanced diet is essential for seniors to have a healthy lifestyle. Their overall health is greatly influenced by regular exercise and a good diet. Concerning nutrition and exercise, seniors should make the following lifestyle changes that lead to a healthy life:  

  • Restricting alcohol consumption 
  • Quitting smoking 
  • Using sun protection and moisturizers on the skin 
  • Brushing and flossing your teeth once or twice a day 
  • Seeing a dentist at least once or twice a year 
  • Visiting eye doctor and a foot doctor, particularly if you have diabetes 
  • Participating in social activities regularly 

What impact do societal concerns have on older citizens’ lives and health?  

Societal difficulties can have a big influence on seniors’ lives, affecting their physical and mental health. The following are some of the key causes of social and psychological problems in old age:  

  • As grown-up children get busy with their own lives, seniors can become isolated. 
  • Incapability to continue working leads to feelings of inadequacy, as well as financial strains owing to the loss of a steady income.
  • Inability to carry out daily tasks on their own. 
  • Frustration with continuous medical issues and an ever-growing list of prescriptions.

Final Thoughts 

Seniors’ physical and social settings influence their health and behaviour greatly. Personal traits such as the family we were born into, sex, and race can distort the connection with the surroundings, resulting in health disparities. Seniors are frequently stereotyped as fragile, dependent, and a societal burden. These and many other stigmatizing beliefs which may lead to bias must be addressed by public health officials and society as a whole. These impact the way policies are formulated and the chances older people have to enjoy healthy ageing. Globalization, technology advancements (e.g., in transportation and communication), urbanization, migration, and shifting gender expectations all have direct and indirect effects on the lives of seniors. A global health strategy must assess present and future trends and formulate policies appropriately.   

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the common health issues faced by elders?  

Hearing loss, cataracts, refractive errors, back and neck discomfort, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression, and dementia are prevalent illnesses among seniors. They are more prone to suffer from many ailments at the same time ie comorbidities. As people get older, they develop a variety of complicated health conditions known as geriatric syndromes. Frailty, urine incontinence, falls, delirium, and pressure ulcers are commonly the result of numerous underlying causes.  

What are the four health issues that affect the elderly?  

Physical deterioration and disease.  
Mental illnesses and cognitive deterioration.  
Dependence on others when their health and mental abilities deteriorate.  
The transition to retirement is generally accompanied by a reduction in social activities.  

What are the five most prevalent illnesses among the elderly?  

Arthritis is a condition in where one or more joints enlarge and become tender.  
Coronary artery disease (CAD), which impairs blood flow to the heart, is the most prevalent kind of heart disease.  
Cancer is the world’s second leading cause of death. It’s the growth of irregular cells that divide uncontrollably and can invade and destroy healthy bodily tissue.  
Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are illnesses that affect the lungs’ airways and other tissues.  
Malnutrition is frequently underdiagnosed in older persons over the age of 65, and it can lead to other aging health conditions such as a reduced immune system and muscular weakness

What are the issues that older adults in India face?  

The lack of physical infrastructure is the most significant impediment to delivering comfort to the elderly.  
It is clear that mental health difficulties, as well as the rising frequency of dementia, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease among the elderly, are rarely acknowledged.  
The elderly receive minimal state or private financial assistance.