Recovering at home after an illness often requires additional support for seniors. Regaining strength involves a careful balance of proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and effective stress management. Whether provided by family members or professional caregivers, the right assistance can make all the difference in helping the elderly recover faster and more comfortably. What are Common Chronic and Serious Illnesses?…
Key Summary: High potassium levels can be risky for seniors, especially those with kidney disease, since their bodies can’t filter out the excess as efficiently. This can be caused by kidney issues, certain medications, high-potassium foods like bananas and potatoes, or even some herbal supplements. Managing it means sticking to a low-potassium diet, working with a dietitian, and sometimes taking…
Seniors who are characteristically pleasant may suddenly lash out. Aggression that occurs out of the blue may indicate an underlying issue, such as physical pain or anxiety, among many other causes. Caregivers must understand the reason behind sudden anger in order to calm the senior. What is aggressive behavior? Aggressive actions take numerous forms. Seniors who show aggression may suddenly…
Older adults are especially vulnerable to contracting infectious diseases, due in part to their naturally weakened immune system. Bacterial infections increase their risk of hospitalization, discomfort and ongoing poor health. You can help prevent these common infections in the elderly with the following tips. What is the role of the immune system? The immune system produces antibodies that protect the…
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among all cancers. It is also difficult to diagnose early. The age at which most diagnoses are made is 70. The survival rate of someone with lung cancer decreases with age. Here’s more on the lifespans of seniors diagnosed with lung cancer. What is lung cancer? A cancer that starts in the…
Mini strokes, medically known as transient ischemic attacks (TIA), are common in the elderly population. While mini strokes are brief and typically cause no permanent damage, they can be warning signs of impending major stroke events. The following are causes of mini strokes in seniors. What is a mini stroke? Blood flow to parts of the brain may be interrupted….
Most cases of high sodium levels in the elderly can be resolved with adequate hydration. Seniors are predisposed to developing hypernatremia due to age-related physiological changes, like decreased thirst. Caregivers who understand what causes high sodium levels in aging care recipients can take steps to return them to healthy levels. What is high sodium? The body is filled with electrolytes,…
As with any discomfort, abdominal pain can be troubling for seniors, especially when they are unaware of what is causing it. The pain might result from mere constipation or something more serious, like pancreatitis. The following are nine causes of abdominal pain in the elderly. Key Takeaways: Abdominal pain in seniors can range from mild to severe and is often…
Toenail fungus can lead to thickening of the nails, altering their appearance, and causing pain and discomfort. Immediate treatment is crucial. If you notice changes in the toenails of an elderly loved one, it could indicate an underlying issue, such as psoriasis or a fungal infection known as onychomycosis, which progressively thickens toenails. Changes might also stem from congenital disorders…
Summary: As seniors age, the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) increases. UTIs can cause pain and are associated with high blood pressure. Seniors should work with their physician to monitor blood pressure levels while receiving treatment. UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria and are common in older women. Incontinence, catheter use, and certain medical conditions can increase…
