Top 15 Ailments Afflicting Seniors and Now the Baby Boomers

About twenty years ago, my best friend and I would make jokes about someday one of us having to wear depends, and the other one wheeling us out onto the porch for some sun, in our golden years.

Back then, we knew about some of the ailments that affect seniors. We had seen our grandparents hobble, or eat less, or perhaps take a bad fall. We knew what would happen eventually, but back then it was funny, when the window for the eventuality was twenty to forty years from then.

Please hold on, this ride is about to slow down.

Now at the midway point of life around the age of 45, the body begins to betray. I have to hold onto the stair rail in case my knee gives out. I have to take my glasses off to see things that are too tiny and close. I can't eat the hot spicy food like I used to, and in fact, being at the bottom of the baby-boomer totem pole seems to make no difference. I am starting to age; my butt is sagging, my boobs are dragging, and I never looked better - totally covered up!

As we advance in age, if we are fortunate enough to make it into our senior years, there are various side affects to aging that can impact our lifestyle.

The AGS Foundation lists a Tip sheet for common geriatric syndromes that includes some of the following:

Top 15 Common Senior Ailments

1. Difficulty Breathing
2. Malnutrition
3. Sleep Problems
4. Bladder Control Problems
5. Delirium
6. Dementia
7. Vision Impairments
8. Dizziness and Nausea
9. Falls and Osteoporosis
10. Depression
11. Hearing problems
12. Arthritis
13. Bed sores or pressure sores
14. Over medication or negative prescription interactions
15. Potentially fatal diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Disease that manifest

One senior ailment can cause a trigger affect with others

What is interesting to note is that with geriatric health, often these symptoms are related to each other and compound upon one another. The medical problems often relationships to lifestyle choices made both in the past and in the current state of living as a senior.

For example, a senior that has a kitchen on one floor and a bathroom on the other is more likely to have hydration issues should they cut back on their water intake so that they don't have to climb the stairs. They might also risk a fall if they try and rush making the stairs before they have an "accident".

Seniors that have vision or hearing problems and lose their independence may isolate themselves in their homes or rooms, which can lead to depression. Seniors with little interaction may find it hard to swallow or talk, they may have bed sores from inactivity or they may suffer from malnutrition as it becomes harder to cook or they fear leaving on the stove and burning down the house. Things that used to be easy to do, take effort and more planning.

Seniors that smoked all their lives may now have respiratory, blood circulatory or heart problems, and potentially fatal diseases.

What can you do as a baby boomer to minimize these senior ailments in your life?

Stay active as much as you can. If you don't have friends in the area, make new ones. Use the telephone, Internet, and mail to keep in contact with others.

If you find that many of your friends and family have passed on, or they just seem too busy to spend time with you - don't fret about it. Instead, create a life in which you can be involved with a hobby that you have, a craft project, a musical instrument, gardening, or reading.

Find other people that have a similar interest and join resources to make memorable events. Call the local senior center and find out what is going on at the club house and for upcoming trips. Deliver meals on wheels or volunteer time at hospice or the local school system.

Think and act for the long term for worthwhile golden years

Financial security: Health and wellness can be affected by financial security and fear of debt or medical bills. Become knowledgeable about your debt and assets, and make informed financial decisions. Ask for help if it seems overwhelming to you. Don't give out your personal information to anyone that you didn't solicit. There are local senior centers in almost any community in the United States. Reach out and find out what they have available for community, for medical and meal support, and for financial assistance options that may be available to you through the state or federal government.

Physical limitations: If you have a large home that will require maintenance, consider downsizing in your sixties and moving to a community that takes care of the outside maintenance. If physical or mental limitations force the need for assistance, consider an assisted living center. Don't sign a reverse mortgage until you are absolutely clear on the ramifications and how it will affect your entire family. Don't take on work that you shouldn't. Leave the gutters to a professional. Considering hiring in certain work such as shoveling, and lawn care, laundry, and housecleaning.

Stay active: Above all, stay active mentally and physically, but don't overdo it. Just a 15 minute walk a day will help circulation, respiratory, and digestive systems continue to work. Pay attention to your physical limitations but don't let them hinder your spirit or motivation for life. Read books, do a puzzle, talk to people, or use the Internet to make new friends. Make sure your family knows your medical condition, and if you need assistance, please ask for and get help.

The above is intended as a general synopsis but should not serve as medical advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician when dealing with issues related to senior health.

Source:
AGS Tips
Personal Experiences as a health care worker