COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS OF THE ELDERLY/SENIORS

By

Dr Robert Idachaba Ati, MBBS, MPA, FAGP, FIMC, PhD, NPOM

 

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

  1. Elderly people are regarded as people above 65 years of age.
  2. In Nigeria people above 65 make up just 3% of the population. The chances of surviving above 80 years are high if one is able to reach the age of 65.
  3. The body’s immunity declines in old age.
  4. Certain illnesses, malformations, injuries, social habits, dietary practices may show adverse results in the elderly.

 

COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS OF THE ELDERLY

  1. Mental Health

There is tendency towards cognitive decline, resulting in poor memory. Mental disorders include dementias, Parkinsonism and depression. Good social interactions, family care, and active involvement in religious activities are helpful against mental problems.

 

 

  1. Balance

Falls are common in old age due to reduced muscle and bone strength and poor brain integrity. Measures to avoid falls include using shower instead of bath tub, avoiding steps inside the house, good lighting within the house and extreme care when climbing stairs.

  1. Hypertension

Blood pressure should be checked regularly even when you feel well. Your doctor will advise or prescribe drugs accordingly. Measures to prevent or check high blood pressure include regular exercise, reduction of intake of salt, sugars, and fats, and avoiding obesity.

  1. Diabetes

It is estimated that up to 25% of people above 65 have Diabetes. Check your blood sugar level regularly even when you feel okay. Measures to help control your sugar level and prevent Diabetes include exercise, eating of fruits and vegetables, eating less of starchy foods , avoiding obesity, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.

 

  1. Hearing Loss

It is common to have impaired hearing ability with advancing age.

  1. Vision problems

Common eye problems include poor vision (especially ability to read small prints), cataracts, glaucoma, eye infections, and macular degeneration. You will need to see an eye specialist if you have serious eye problem adversely affecting your vision.

  1. Cancers

Most common cancers in women in Nigeria are uterine and breast cancers. Most common cancers in men in Nigeria are prostate and liver cancers. Generally, the older you are the more likely are you to have some cancer. Any unusual swelling, bleeding, pain, and deformity should be checked by your doctor to rule out cancer. Many cancers are curable if detected early and adequate treatment is given promptly. Screening can detect early stage of cancer.

  1. Erectile Dysfunction

Because of the declining levels of male sex hormones, in addition to environmental, psychological,  and social factors, many elderly men have erectile dysfunction.

  1. Bone and Joint Disorders

With age the bone density reduces. With wear and tear over time the joint spaces get narrowed. These may result in osteoporosis with predisposition to fractures, and osteoarthritis (inflammation of joints).

Regular exercise, being physically active and healthy diet will promote bone and joint health. It is strongly advised to avoid smoking and alcohol.

  1. Mouth Disorders

It is advisable to visit your Dentist roughly every 6 months for dental check, and cleaning of teeth. Common mouth problems include teeth loss, Dental Caries, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis. Good oral hygiene is important, including brushing of teeth at least two times per day.

 

 

 

  1. Urinary Incontinence

This is a common problem with advancing age. In men it is due to enlarged prostate or weakening of the internal urinary bladder sphincter. You may need to see a Urologist who may recommend certain investigations to identify the cause.

 

 

  1. Heart disorders

Predisposing problems are hypertension, undetected longstanding heart disorder that is resulting into heart failure, high cholesterol level, smoking, longstanding respiratory disease, and primary heart diseases.

  1. Respiratory disorders

There is propensity to developing respiratory diseases, especially in area with air pollution, and in smokers. With age there is usually worsening of chronic respiratory illnesses like Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Pneumonia and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are common in old age.

 

PREVENTION OF ILLNESSES AND PROMOTION OF HEALTH

  1. No smoking and alcohol. Advice to take a little alcohol is ambiguous since it is difficult to define ‘little alcohol’. It is therefore advisable not to take alcohol at all. Of course, psychoactive and mood-altering drugs are dangerous for physical and mental health.
  2. Maintain good social health through associations such as church, mosque, golf club, town meetings, social media groups etc. Maintain good relationships within your family. Play and communicate well with your children and grandchildren.
  3. Exercise regularly. Indoor exercise machines are good. Do 2-5 kilometers/day on treadmill, or walk for 30 to 60 minutes/day. Avoid exercises too vigorous for your age.
  4. Rest and Sleep well. It is good to sleep for 6 to 8 hours per day. Afternoon naps promote wellbeing and good mental health.
  5. Avoid poverty. Most people are stabilized financially at the age of 65, but a few may have financial difficulties, housing problems, irregular source of income, poor returns on investments, and pension problems, with attendant inability to take care of their health needs and medical treatment.
  6. Ensure safety measures in your accommodation, including availability of functioning fire extinguishers (they need refilling every 6 to 12 months), avoiding bathtubs (showers are safer), making sure that old electrical wiring in your ceiling is intact and safe (to avoid electrical fire outbreak in your ceiling), and taking extreme care in climbing stairs.
  7. Eating healthy foods. Avoid manufactured products. It is better to consume foods from plants/farms rather than foods manufactured in plants/companies. Consume less of fats, sugar, salt, meat, and starch. Vegetables and fruits are good. Healthy eating will minimize constipation.
  8. Avoid over-eating and obesity.
  9. Ensure proper lighting in your home. Solar power is healthiest and safest source of power. Maintain safety electrical practices to avoid electric shocks and fires.
  10. Avoid loneliness. Adopt a hobby. Read books, manual and electronic. Farming is good hobby. Gardening is good alternative to farming. The air around plants is usually healthy. Flowers and gardens are good for mental health.
  11. Maintain a relationship with a doctor, or other health personnel that you can communicate with 24/7.
  12. Avoid online prescriptions and advice from self-acclaimed health experts.
  13. Subscribe to newsletters from health websites. Regularly browse health websites such as webmd.com, medicinenet.com, medipubng.org.