Common Health Hazards in Elderly People - An Overview

Introduction

The average life expectancy has increased in recent times globally and is expected to rise further in the coming decades. Many age-related changes are commonly observed in elderly people, but a few chronic conditions cannot be considered a part of normal aging as they may affect the quality of life. Older people are more prone to developing diseases than younger adults due to decreased immunity, nutritional imbalance, etc.

What Are the Changes That Occur in Elderly Due to Aging?

Changes seen in elderly individuals as a result of biological aging include:

• Sensory Changes: Difficulty in hearing is seen in more than 50 percent of the elderly population, affecting their speech and communication, making it difficult to express themselves in social gatherings. This may cause isolation leading to depression, a decline in cognition, and reduced quality of life. Additionally, elderly people may also suffer from impaired or blurred vision.

• Changes in Muscle Strength and Fat: A decline in muscle mass and muscle strength begins in about the fourth decade and progresses further with aging, leading to alteration in the drug metabolism.

• Weakened Immunity: Elderly people also have immune function alterations, which weakens the body’s response to fight against infections.

• Changes in Bladder Control: Changes in the functioning of the urinary bladder may be experienced, which may cause urinary incontinence or bacteriuria.

What Are the Common Health Hazards Seen in Elderly?

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Common heart ailments are seen due to the accumulation of fat or plaque in the walls of the coronary arteries. It is mainly seen due to increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which may result in a stroke, arrhythmias, or myocardial infarction. Changes in the stiffness of the blood vessels and their remodeling occur as a process of normal aging, further aggravating the inflammation caused by atherosclerosis. It may increase the risk of organ damage and cerebrovascular diseases.

• Lung Diseases: Chronic bronchitis is commonly seen in elderly individuals, which occurs due to the infection of the lungs or the airways, resulting in chest pain, sore throat, headache, excess mucus production, and cough. Smoking is also one of the risk factors associated with chronic bronchitis.

• Diabetes: A metabolic disorder mainly related to an unhealthy lifestyle usually develops in middle age. It occurs when the body cannot produce insulin or may be due to genetic predisposition. High blood sugar levels can, in turn, cause serious effects on the kidneys, heart, eyes, etc.; hence, it must be screened frequently at a young age, and appropriate medications must be started to prevent the progression of the disease.

• Arthritis: It is a chronic condition commonly seen in elderly people, which is associated with significant pain and joint disability affecting the daily activities of the individuals. It has been observed that an increase in obesity may be a risk factor in the development of arthritis. Age-related bone loss can also be a contributory factor that may lead to fractures or ligament injuries. Arthritis is associated with pain, inflammation, stiffness, and tenderness around the joints and causes limited or restricted movement.

• Cancer: Abnormal replication of cells occurs, which results in the development of tumors and their spread through the bloodstream to various parts of the body. Treatment can be extremely invasive and affects the life of the patients and their family members. Certain symptoms Sudden weight loss, presence of an unexpected lump or mass, or blood in vomit, urine, or stools must be reported immediately to a doctor, and initial screening and testing must be done.

• Kidney Diseases: Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, frequent infections, inflammation, and chronic use of medications can result in excessive stress on the kidneys, and also due to aging, the cells and tissues may weaken, leading to kidney disorders or renal failure. The condition may be associated with swollen ankles, hands, and feet, tiredness, shortness of breath, blood in the urine, etc. Medical care must be taken immediately to avoid further complications if these symptoms are noticed.

• Nervous System Disorders: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia may be seen in older adults due to damage or degeneration of the nerves due to aging. These conditions are associated with memory loss, cognition impairment, thinking skills, depression, coordination, speech, confusion, and personality changes. People with Parkinson’s disease experience involuntary shaking or tremors in hands or legs, imbalance in posture, stiffness of muscles, and slow movement.

• Polypharmacy: A chronic use of five or more drugs by the patient is termed polypharmacy. The risk of adverse reactions and drug interactions is very high. It also increases susceptibility to falls, drowsiness, fatigue, and lack of interest in activities. A therapeutic dose regimen must be followed and the drugs must be frequently reviewed to avoid the burden and weigh the benefits and risks considering the treatment goals.

How To Prevent Health Hazards in Elderly People?

Some of the ways in which health hazards can be prevented in elderly people include:

• Regular health check-ups or screening for diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, and arthritis help to prevent complications.

• Quitting smoking and alcohol.

• Physical exercises and a healthy balanced diet must be followed to maintain immunity against infections.

• Reducing intake of salt, unhealthy fats, and sugar.

• Medications must be taken at scheduled intervals without skipping or modifying the dose.

• Adequate fluid and electrolyte balance must be maintained by consuming plenty of water, herbal teas, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

• A fiber-rich diet helps prevent constipation and maintain healthy bowel movements.

• Healthcare professionals must regularly review medicines as it helps to identify the necessary drugs and requirements of a better dose or a substitution with better alternative treatments.

• Staying connected with friends and family, adopting pets, or developing habits such as gardening, listening to music, and meditation helps to overcome mental health problems.

• Installation of fall support bars or anti-skid tiles helps avoid accidental falls and injuries.

Conclusion

Biological changes associated with aging have a great impact on elderly individuals and may be associated with various medical conditions such as impaired vision and hearing, metabolic disorders, or other chronic medical conditions. It is common to experience these challenges. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, scheduled intake of medications, and regular monitoring through medical check-ups can optimize the quality of life in elderly people.