Problems of Elderly

Elder people, as a rule, have more health problems than younger people. There are many reasons for elderly problems: they may have had more years to accumulate health problems, or their bodies may be starting to wear out as they age. Many elderly people also live in poverty, which makes it harder for them to get the care and treatment they need.

Problems of Elderly

Elderly people may experience a number of elderly problems. These elderly problems are both physical and emotional. Sometimes, the elderly person may not be able to take care of him or herself. Sometimes these problems are so severe that the elderly person needs to live in a nursing home.

Types of Elderly Problems

There are many types of elderly problems that can arise. Some are physical, some are cognitive, and still, others are emotional or psychiatric in nature.

Physical problems may include

1. Difficulty with mobility: These seniors may have trouble getting around due to arthritis, poor vision or hearing, or some other physical limitation.
2. Falls: Seniors are at a higher risk of falling and injuring themselves than the general population. This is often due to changes in balance, muscle strength, and reflexes that come with age.
3. Poor nutrition: Older adults sometimes have difficulty eating properly due to dental problems, difficulty swallowing, or a lack of interest in food. This can lead to malnourishment, dehydration, and other health problems.

Cognitive problems may include

1. Dementia: A progressive brain disorder that leads to impaired memory, thinking, and reasoning skills.
2. Alzheimer’s disease: A form of dementia that causes a person to gradually lose their memory and ability to think clearly.
3. Delirium: A condition marked by confusion, agitation, and hallucinations that can occur in elderly people who are hospitalized or undergoing surgery.

Emotional/psychiatric problems may include:

1. Anxiety: Worries or fears that seem excessive or out of proportion to the situation.
2. Depression: A feeling of sadness, emptiness, helplessness, and hopelessness that lasts for weeks or months.
3. Bipolar disorder: A mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and mania.

Elderly Problems Causes And Implications

There are many elderly problems, causes and implications. A few are listed below:

Decreased Mobility

Sometimes there are health conditions that decrease mobility in elderly people. This can lead to a decreased quality of life and even depression, as the person may feel isolated and unable to do things they used to enjoy.

Relationship

This is one of the causes and implications of the elderly problem. Some elderly people experience problems in their relationships with friends and family members. This can be due to a number of factors, such as the person feeling isolated or no longer able to keep up with conversations.

Dealing with Elderly Problems

If you’re caring for an elderly loved one who is experiencing any of these elderly problems, it’s important to seek help. There are many resources available to help. Some of these are;

Medications

Medications can be one way to help with some of the problems listed above. There are medications available for falls, decreased mobility, and depression. It may have the added benefit of improving the overall health of your loved one.

Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapist can help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, and bathing. They can also provide exercises to improve mobility and strength.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can help with falls prevention and improving mobility. They may also provide exercises to improve strength and balance.

Social Work

Social work services can connect elderly people with resources in their community, such as Meals on Wheels or adult day care programs. They can also provide counselling for relationship problems or depression.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be a great way to help with falls and decreased mobility. Physical therapists can create exercises that will help improve strength and balance.

Counselling

If there are relationship problems, counselling may be a good option. Counselling can help family members and friends learn how to best support the elderly person. These are just a few of the many resources available to help with elderly problems. Seek help if you are struggling to care for an elderly loved one.

Conclusion

Elderly problems are often unique and complex, which is why it is important to have a therapist that can specifically address the needs of this population. Therapists with experience in geriatrics will be able to help seniors who are struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, memory loss, and more. They can also provide support for caregivers who are struggling to cope. If you or someone you know is an elderly person in need of therapy, be sure to seek out a qualified professional.