Health Risks That Are Often Ignored By Seniors And Why They Shouldn't Be

Everyone has those days where you suddenly experience pain in your legs or find a weird lump you have no idea how that developed! While it is normal to experience pains and aches once in a while, if it happens consistently for long periods, it is something that you should get checked. This goes especially for the elderly, as their body and organs are ageing too, and they don’t work as well as they once did. Here are a few health risks that can cause serious health problems but most often are ignored by seniors, be it seniors living in senior homes in Chennai or any other city or the elderly living with family.

Health Problems in Elderly: Risks Not to Ignore

Dehydration: Dehydration is dangerous for anyone, irrespective of their age. However, the elderly are at a higher risk. This is because the absence of body fluids can adversely affect their health, as it is linked to other health risks such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones and kidney failure, to name a few.

Ways to prevent it:

1. One of the best ways to avoid dehydration is to drink plenty of water.
2. You can also reconsider your diet. Include fruits and vegetables that have high water content.
3. Avoid having soda, alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

Skin Lesions: If you notice an abnormal growth or appearance on your skin, such as lumps, bumps, rashes, sores or discoloured areas, it is primarily a skin lesion. There are two types of skin lesions — primary and secondary lesions. While primary lesions represent a health condition, secondary lesions are mostly the result of a change in the primary lesion. It might sound minor, but you shouldn’t ignore it at any cost, as some skin lesions can be a warning sign of skin cancer. 

Ways to prevent it:

1. Avoid excessive physical and emotional stress.
2. Keep a close eye on your diet.
3. Drink plenty of water.
4. Get enough sleep.
5. Don’t share personal belongings such as blankets and hairbrushes.

Constipation: Unable to defecate once in a while is a common problem among the elderly. However, if it happens often, it is a serious concern, and you should immediately see a doctor. Ongoing constipation can lead to a hard stool, which can cause further problems. Chronic constipation can cause other health issues such as indigestion, bloating and nausea.

Ways to prevent it:

1. Stay hydrated.
2. Include high-fibre foods such as beans, fruits and whole grain cereals.
3. Make physical activities a part of your daily routine. It can be as simple as brisk walking.

Diabetes: In this health condition, your body can’t process sugar and use it as energy later. This health condition can be treated and kept under control. There are two types of diabetes — Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas. On the other hand, in type 1 diabetes, your body becomes resistant to insulin, a result of which sugar builds up in your blood. Leaving high blood sugar untreated can cause more damage to other organs such as the eyes, kidneys and nerves.

Ways to prevent it:

1. You should have an active lifestyle. Make exercise a part of your daily routine.
2. Make healthier food choices. Include healthy fats, plant foods and skip fad diets.
3. Choose water over any other beverage.
4. If you smoke, try and quit smoking.

Mental health conditions: Your mental health is as crucial as your physical health. Ageing takes a toll on your mental health too. People above 60 years are affected with mental health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, depression or anxiety. Seniors who live alone are at a higher risk of getting affected by mental health conditions.

Ways to prevent it:

1. Stay connected with family and friends.
2. Stay active. Include lite workouts as a part of your daily routine.
3. Pick up a hobby or an activity.

Primus Senior Living, one of the most reputable senior citizen homes in Chennai and Bangalore, offers senior homes in Chennai and Bangalore. The flats are senior-friendly and come with top-notch amenities and services. The seniors have access to nutritious meals, housekeeping services and excellent healthcare facilities. At Primus Senior Living, you can forget about household chores and enjoy your life. Contact the team to learn more about Chennai and Bangalore’s senior homes.