Often old age comes with problems, and mostly health
related. Many a times, we miss out on things that are obvious.
Especially after those youthful days when one had the
attitude of ‘come what may’. Here are some old age signs you should not miss
out on, and seek immediate medical attention for.
1.Low mood
Due to the many health problems at their age and the on and
off aches and pains they experience, we expect a grumpy mood in most elders to
be normal. However, that isn’t how it should be.
If you notice your otherwise cheerful parent, elderly
relative or neighbor appearing sullen, it’s worth probing further and also
seeking medical advice if things remain unchanged for long.
Elders could feel low or depressed due to loneliness,
feeling of worthlessness or troubled relationships at home. Often these aspects
are overlooked by them and their family as well.
2.Memory loss
We all forget things occasionally but this is one of the
most common and challenging problems of the geriatric population world over. If
the person forgets names of people who she/he regularly interacts with or
memory of very recent events then it could be concerning.
Forgetting things
like where did they place something or why did they enter the room is normal.
But if they lose the trail of a sentence
during their speech or forget words it could be a sign of dementia.
3.Lack of care
A sudden drop in the way your ageing parents dress or take
care of the home should call for your attention. If you notice a lack of
interest in bathing, brushing, dressing neatly then the reason should be
probed. Also, if your parents have been living by themselves, keep checking on
the condition of the house, especially the bathroom and the kitchen. The reason
for this decline could be that they have lost confidence to manage on their own
and it’s time they moved in with you or arrange for an outside support to help
them with their daily chores.
4.Loss of sensation
If your elderly parent is unable to taste excess salt in the
food, or has hurt himself and isn’t feeling any pain it calls for serious
attention. Some amount of sensory loss is normal and expected as you age but if
this becomes a hindrance then it should be fixed. For instance, loss of hearing
has to be fixed with a hearing aid even if it is only a partial loss. Loss of
sensation of touch should be diagnosed by an expert and treated. If not it
could lead to accidents as the person may use too hot water in the bath or
touch a hot utensil in the kitchen causing a burn and not even be aware of it.
5.Loss of appetite
Again just like children are fussy about the foods they eat,
elderly become picky about foods and their appetite changes and reduces from
what it used to be. If this is due to dental problems such as caries or absence
of teeth, it could be fixed and normal appetite can be restored. However if the
loss of appetite is due to indigestion, inability to procure or cook foods of
their liking or a general loss of interest due to loneliness or depression,
these concerns need to be addressed separately. They may also have a lack of
taste which may make all foods taste bland.
6.Mobility
One of the biggest challenges in the elderly is to prevent a
fall.
Like children, the elderly are very prone to falls and with
weak bones they are at higher risk of fractures and head injuries. If balance
is not good, physiotherapy exercises can help to restore balance.
Home environment plays an important role in fall prevention.
7.Loss of control in
urine and stool
Loss of control over urine is a common problem with the
elderly.
In men it can be due
to prostate, and in women it can be due to stress incontinence. It can happen
as a result of an illness like pneumonia as well. A quick discussion, during
the doctor’s visit, on this is very important to prevent emergencies like acute
retention of urine. Due to embarrassment your parents may not disclose this
complaint to you, so look for signs such as soiled clothes or bed linen.
8.Making the home
safe for the elderly:
Encourage them to wear shoes that fit properly and wear
non-slip footwear while at home. Wipe spills immediately, do not leave it for
later.
If possible, opt for non-polished floors. Leave on the
lights in the bathroom and passages. Use door locks that can be opened from
both sides in bathrooms and bedrooms.
Keep emergency phone numbers written in big normal fonts,
and stick it near the phone. Keep a fire extinguisher handy at home.
Other useful advices
to make the home safe:
- Clean bathrooms regularly to avoid slipping.
- Install and use hand rails in bathrooms.
- Remove rugs to avoid tripping over.
- Use bright lights.
- Keep an emergency lamp near the bed.
- In the kitchen keep kitchen floors uncluttered.
- Stick ‘On’ and ‘Off’ position stickers on electrical appliances written in bright colors.
- Keep sharp objects in one rack
- Use labels for items that are kept in opaque boxes
- Keep cleaning materials tightly closed and away from food materials
- Use cotton clothing and aprons while cooking
- Check expiry dates of packaged food.
There’s a lot you can do for the elders of your family and
community to make them feel comfortable, wanted and secure.
But the best thing you can give them is some of your time,
spent meaningfully with them.
Source: http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/8-symptoms-in-old-age-that-warrant-attention/
