3 Unexpected Health Risks Faced by Seniors

3 Unexpected Health Risks Faced by Seniors

Want a quick glance at life beyond 50? Your metabolism changes. You might not be able to eat the same things you once could. You might tire more easily, and it might take you longer to shake certain sicknesses.

Need some cheering up? A little care and planning can help prevent many of the health risks faced with age.

Life changes with age, but it’s still possible to live a healthy, vibrant life by being aware of and guarding against potential hazards. Here are 3 specific health risks to guard against for better living beyond 50.

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Unexpected Health Risk #1: Falls

One in every three adults in the US aged 65 or older falls every year. In 2009, ERs treated 2.2 million non-fatal fall injuries. About 20 to 30 percent of those who fall suffer from lacerations, hip fractures, and head trauma, though only about 50 percent mention it to their doctors.

No matter how careful one is, accidents happen. Even younger people have accidental falls. You might trip or stumble. A stair or walkway might give out underneath you. You might lose your balance or footing.

Timely medical attention after a fall can save your life. In fact, receiving medical attention within the first hour of a fall can help to prevent fall-related complications.

Keep in mind, however, that about 62 percent of seniors who don’t receive help within the first hour after a fall are unable to live independently afterward. Because the longer a senior remains on the ground after a fall, the higher the risks of long-lasting injury. And injuries that are long lasting interfere with the individual’s ability to live independently.

Families and individuals concerned about the danger of falls often consider medical alert systems. These wearable devices give you a way to access help during emergencies while retaining your independence.

Unexpected Health Risk #2: Poor Nutrition

Good nutrition is vital to your overall health. Conversely, a diet lacking in nutrition deprives you of vital nutrients and could cause weakness, a vulnerable immune system, and impair your cognitive function. It could also increase your risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

According to Lisa Mosconi, a researcher and author of multiple texts concerning Alzheimer’s, only about 25 to 30 percent of Alzheimer’s is caused by genetics. The rest of it comes from lifestyle choices, with diet being among the most important. An insufficient amount of Omega-3 fatty acids and excessive inflammatory foods, such as sugar, could play key roles in increasing your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Mosconi recommends focusing on a healthier diet and lifestyle at a young age to reduce one’s risk of Alzheimer’s. A healthier diet and lifestyle includes staying hydrated and eating glucose-heavy natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Glucose is energy for the mind, which helps keep it sharp.

Unexpected Health Risk #3:Drug Interactions

Are you taking more than one kind of medication at a time? Do you know how the various medications interact with each other? Have you consulted a doctor about whether the pills you are taking are safe to take together?

If the number of pills you are taking seems to only increase with each season, that’s because they probably are. And if you are receiving prescriptions from multiple doctors, it can be hard to keep track of them all. However, certain drugs should not be taken together. And it is on you to make sure your medical support team knows about everything you are taking.

Keep an updated list of your medications on hand when visiting your doctor. Ask doctors and nurses pertinent questions about different medications. Pharmacists can also answer your queries regardinghow certain drugs interact, as well as side effects to watch out for.

Listen to your doctor if he or she advises against drinking with a certain medication. While a drink may seem harmless, it could be a dangerous combination with some medications.

Among the 65-plus age group, falls are the leading cause of deaths, nonfatal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and hospital trauma admissions. And people who are aged 75 or more are four times as likely to fall as someone aged 65 to 74.

Finally, a positive frame of mind can make a huge difference when dealing with health challenges. Age gracefully and with dignity by staying aware of potential pitfalls and preparing for whatever complications that may arise.Knowing the risks and having proactive plans in place can provide you with health and comfort in your golden years.

 

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3 Unexpected Health Risks Faced by Seniors
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