Four Major Problems of an Elderly Person

Many elderly people face four major problems, namely, physical, emotional, cognitive and social. It is important to know and understand these problems so that we can help them with the right measures.

Hearing loss, cataracts and refractive errors, back and neck pain, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Diabetes, Depression and Dementia are common ailments in elderly people.

1. Physical Problems

As people get older their body organs deteriorate. This is normal and can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. It is also necessary to visit a doctor regularly and follow their advice.

Elderly people are prone to respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and lung cancer. falls detector pendant They can also catch the flu or pneumonia. It is important for them to get vaccinated each year.

It is normal for elderly adults to suffer from pain in their joints, muscles and bones. This is caused by ageing, arthritis and other health issues. They need to exercise and eat a healthy diet.

Some of the other problems that seniors face are kidney failure, high blood pressure, low calcium, osteoporosis and diabetes. They also require regular healthcare and may need help with their daily tasks. In fact, two thirds of all elderly Americans need assistance with at least one of their day-to-day activities. This can lead to isolation, depression and poorer quality of life.

2. Emotional Problems

As a person ages, he or she may feel a sense of insecurity due to physical or mental changes that occur over time. This can cause feelings of depression, anxiety and sadness. In addition, the loss of friends or a lack of family ties can also contribute to depression.

Severe mood swings in older adults are often the result of a physical illness. They might get frustrated when they can’t move as easily or as quickly as they used to, or they might be reacting to a chronic pain or condition that you can’t see.

If you notice your elderly loved one experiencing depression, you should seek help for them immediately. Getting them to talk about their feelings and discuss possible solutions will improve their emotional health. Also, it’s important to show them that you care and really listen to what they have to say. This will make them feel a stronger connection to you.

3. Cognitive Problems

Although memory lapses are common at older ages, they don’t necessarily indicate the beginning of dementia or any other cognitive problems. However, people need to seek help if they have concerns about memory lapses or other changes in their mental ability.

The health care provider should first get a thorough history from the patient and family members, especially about the recent ones. The provider should also ask about medications (including over-the-counter sleeping aids, sedating antihistamines, drugs for depression, and other common medications that affect brain function, such as anticholinergics).

The health care provider may order some laboratory tests, including blood work, to check the person’s overall health. The provider may also order an objective assessment of the person’s cognitive functioning, such as a Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test or a Mini-Mental State Examination. They should also ask about the person’s difficulties managing instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and activities of daily living (ADLs). This will help the health care provider determine if the symptoms are due to normal aging or are a sign of early dementia.

4. Social Problems





In many communities, there are a lot of outdated stereotypes about the elderly people which can cause isolation and marginalization for them. This can be overcome by introducing new age products that help the seniors maintain their independence, and provide opportunities for them to stay active in society through social events.

Loneliness among older adults is a global public health concern, linked to accelerated physical declines and higher rates of depression. It can be caused by a lack of close relationships, the death of friends and family members, economic loss due to aging and illness, and the inability to access government welfare schemes.

In addition, the number of older adults living in poverty has risen significantly due to improved life expectancies and the baby boomer generation, while housing options are limited in high-cost areas and rural communities, and many older renters are cost burdened, paying more than 30 percent of their income on housing. These challenges can cause financial stress and reduce the ability to meet essential needs, such as food and medical care.