There are certain changes we expect as we grow older. Our hair grays, our senses weaken and our skin becomes less elastic. Other signs of old age are not so cut and dry.
There are many misconceptions around common medical issues and the aging process, so it’s crucial to know what are normal signs of an aging body and what are health concerns that may be reason to contact your medical provider.
Memory Problems
Dementia is a common worry for older adults, and for good reason: about one-third of all people aged 85 and older have some form of dementia. Dementia involves a decline in cognition and behavioral abilities that interfere with regular functioning. As we get older, our brain functioning slows down and we have more trouble multitasking. This might result in missing the occasional bill payment or misplacing items from time to time.
However, if you notice persistent problems with forgetfulness, losing things and difficulty having a conversation, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Some examples of concerning behavior include:
- Getting lost in familiar places.
- Repeating the same questions over and over again.
- Forgetting to go to important events.
- Losing track of the day or time of year.
- Trouble finding the right words when having a conversation.
- Consistently making poor decisions.
Although there are ways to stay mentally sharp as you age, talk to your doctor if you are struggling with any of the symptoms listed above.
Falling
Many older adults experience falls as a result of changes in balance and strength. Falling is not typically life-threatening, but the resulting injuries can be traumatizing and can lead to a decreased involvement in activities and a lower quality of life.
Is falling evidence of bigger senior health issues, or is it just a sign of old age? Falling can be an indication of a medication side effect, a surgical procedure, or even underlying issues such as chronic diseases. It can also simply be a result of weakening bones, joints and muscles, which affects your coordination. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D helps fight decline in bone and muscle health, so don’t forget to drink milk and get some sun!
Evaluate your risk factors and seek assistance from your doctor to mitigate the probability of falling in the future.
Urinary Incontinence
Bladder control problems can be more than just embarrassing. They can severely impact your independence and quality of life. If you find yourself needing to urinate more frequently, experiencing pain while urinating or only passing small amounts after having a strong urge to urinate, it may be time to explore solutions for urinary incontinence. Menopause for women or an enlarged prostate for men can also exacerbate these issues.
Treatment options include pelvic muscle exercises, medications, electrical nerve stimulation and surgery. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which of these options is best for you.
Depression in Seniors
Feeling empty, fatigued, hopeless or irritable are not normal signs of old age, but rather, signs of depression. Older adults who live alone are especially susceptible to loneliness and isolation, which are linked to a high risk of depression, decreased immune function and worsening physical health. Seniors can prevent depression by staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, spending time with friends and family, and staying involved in activities you enjoy.
Hearing and/or Vision Loss
Unfortunately, a reduced capacity to see and hear is a common complaint for seniors. Inability to hear in crowded rooms or at certain frequencies, as well as difficulty adapting to different levels of lighting or glares indicates a decline in hearing and vision. Though you can’t reverse the clock, corrective devices like hearing aids and glasses can help with regular functioning.
Chronic Pain
If you’re experiencing frequent pain, don’t panic just yet. Between 60 and 80% of adults struggle with back pain, and up to 70% deal with neck pain. While aches and pains are, in fact, a normal sign of an aging body, there are certain signals you shouldn’t ignore. Breathing difficulties, numbness, chest pain or spontaneous shooting pains could indicate a more serious issue. Additionally, inflamed joints or long-term pain could be symptoms of a condition such as fibromyalgia, tendonitis or osteoarthritis.
Get Prepared With Americo Senior Life
Like keeping your health in check, finding a senior life insurance policy is an important way to help ensure a secure future. Here at Americo Senior Life, our team of professionals will answer all your questions so you can make a confident choice when it comes to your whole life insurance policy. Get a free quote online, and you could be approved for a policy within minutes.