Health Issues to Keep an Eye on as Your Parents Get Older

Health Issues to Keep an Eye on as Your Parents Get Older. Seeing your parents get older is bittersweet. There is something quite comforting seeing them play with the grandkids or even great-grandkids, but as they get older things get physically harder for them. Here are some lesser-discussed medical conditions to look for and ensure they get the right treatment for.

It’s common to see both vision and hearing going backward with old age. The reduced flexibility of our lenses causes diminished eyesight. This makes it harder for the lens to focus on objects. Also, the ability to see correctly in the dark lessons. Ensuring that the home of your elderly parents is well-lit and introducing them to easy-to-use phones and remote controls can make their lives a lot easier. Also, as hearing becomes more difficult, try to avoid busy places. Going to the fair might be a great idea for the kids, but a quieter gathering without much environmental noise, such as a picnic might be more considerate.

As you get older, the fat layer under your skin becomes thinner. You can see this as the skin gets more wrinkly and dry. As the fat layer thins out, you start sweating less, which in turn makes seniors more prone to heat stroke and heat exhaustion on warm days. When they are out in the sun playing with the great-grandkids, make sure they wear a hat to protect them from the sun or ensure they get plenty of liquids and rest from time to time.

Growing older can lead to weight gain, especially if your intake of food remains the same. As you get older, you lose muscles. That will effectively lead to a less active lifestyle and without exercise that will lead to gaining extra pounds. Obesity comes with its increased risk factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and strokes. It’s vital you keep your parents active and ensure they fit their diet to what they need daily. The odd brisk walk after a meal can do wonders.

One of the things they will not talk to you about is most likely urinary incontinence. Change in hormones for women and enlarged prostates for men can cause a whole heap of factors that can lead to urinary incontinence. If you suspect that your elderly parents suffer from urinary and kidney issues, it might be wise to take them to Advanced Urology of Georgia where they can diagnose and treat these types of conditions.

One of the most worrisome issues of growing older is loneliness and depression. Often dismissed as part of getting older, the US Census Bureau estimates that 28% of people over 65 live alone. And although living alone does not imply they feel alone, it can be a significant factor. Studies have shown that feeling alone can lead to depression. So make sure that part of taking care of your elderly parents is visiting them often, keeping them healthy, and taking loads of pictures of them with the grandkids and great-grandkids.