8 symptoms in old age that warrant attention-2
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 bold fonts, and stick it near the phone Keep a fire extinguisher handy at home
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.
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 bold fonts, and stick it near the phone Keep a fire extinguisher handy at home
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.
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.
Om Namah Shivay
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