5 Common Health Issues in Elderly and How to Manage Them

Aging is a natural process, but it comes with certain health challenges that require care and management. The health of older adults is a vital issue. By understanding common health issues in older adults and knowing how to manage them, we can significantly improve the quality of life of our loved ones.

In this blog, we will discuss five common health issues in the elderly and provide practical tips on how to manage them.

1. Arthritis and Joint Pain

Why it Happens: Arthritis is extremely common in the elderly and is caused by the wear and tear of the protective tissue between the bones. It causes joint pain, swelling, and inflammation.

How to Manage Arthritis:  Low impact exercise, healthy balanced diet, apply heat and cold packs, medication and physical therapy.

2. Cardiovascular Diseases (Heart Problems)

Why it Happens: Heart diseases are a leading cause of death among older adults. With age, the risk for heart diseases also increases primarily due to lifestyle factors like unhealthy diet, tobacco consumption etc.  

How to Manage Heart Health: Eat a heart-healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, control your cholesterol, blood glucose (sugar), and blood pressure, and manage stress.

3. Diabetes

Why it Happens: This is common among elderly due to the aging process that reduces insulin senstivity and secretion. Diabetes is also associated with multiple existing illness in the elderly.

How to Manage Diabetes: Monitor your blood sugar, intake of balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, regular moderate exercise (150 mins per week).

4.Cognitive Decline (Dementia and Alzheimer’s)

Why it Happens: Cognitive decline such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s happens in elderly due to the age-factor and damage to brain cells. Family history also plays a role.

How to Manage Brain Health: Ensure 7-9 hours of quality sleep, keep your mind engaged, regular physical activity, brain healthy diet rich in fruits and antioxidants.

5. Osteoporosis (Weak Bones)

Why it Happens: This occurs in elderly because the bone breakdown exceeds the bone replacement rate due to poor nutrition and lifestyle. Hormonal change also contributes to this health condition.

How to Manage Bone Health: Avoid smoking, regular weight and strengthing exercises, calcium and vitamin-d rich diet, fall preventive measures at home.

Caring for you loved ones is rewarding but comes with its challenges, professional care can make a huge difference. By understanding these common health issues in elderly and following preventive measures, your loved ones can lead a healthy, active, and fulfilling life.

Why Professional Care is Important for the Elderly

As people age, their health require more care and monitoring, in some cases 24/7 support and supervision. With age, people are prone to long term illness and need help in managing daily tasks. Family members take care of their loved ones, but this can become physically and emotionally challenging at a point. This is when professional Home Nursing care becomes vital for the elderly. Trained professionals and nurses provide medical assistance along with emotional support and companionship. They ensure your loved ones are safe, comfortable and cared for. This reduces stress for the family and improves quality of life for your loved ones.

Looking for professional elderly care at home?

Selecting the right care partner for your loved ones ensures they receive the proper medical attention and emotional support. Shri Manjunatha Home Nursing Care provides dependable and compassionate elderly care services at home, helping families take the best care of their loved ones. From daily assistance to professional medical supervision, our focus is improving the quality of life for your loved ones.

Choosing Shri Manjunatha Home Nursing Care means choosing not just medical support but emotional care, personal attention, and the joy of staying in the home they love.