Common problems faced by the elderly are many and varied. These issues range from Polypharmacy and Loneliness to Alzheimer’s and hearing impairment. It is important to seek medical care and support services as early as possible. There are many resources available that can help people living with these conditions.
Polypharmacy
Many studies show that polypharmacy increases the risk of disease in the elderly. One study by the wilmacliving.com examined community-dwelling elderly adults with dementia. The study found that these people were prescribed psychotropic medications at much higher rates than their counterparts who did not have dementia. The increased use of these drugs may increase the risk of falls, overdoses, memory problems, and death.
While polypharmacy is a serious problem for older patients, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of inappropriate prescribing. The first step is to identify potential drug interactions in older patients. This will help physicians to reduce the number of drugs they prescribe and promote medication safety. Several tools have been developed to help physicians identify drugs that are potentially inappropriate for older adults.
Related: How to Prevent Common Chronic Diseases in Seniors
Loneliness
Loneliness affects health outcomes, reducing life expectancy and affecting quality of life. It can also negatively impact independence and daily activities such as dressing and bathing, rising from a chair, and preparing meals. The impact of loneliness on the elderly’s quality of life has not been fully understood. However, some research suggests that loneliness is an important social determinant of health.
The problem is exacerbated among immigrant populations, with Latinos reporting significantly lower levels of social connection than US-born Latinos. First-generation immigrants also face stressors that contribute to social isolation, including language barriers, cultural differences, and family dynamics. Additionally, LGBT and bisexual populations report experiencing higher rates of loneliness compared to their heterosexual peers. Many of these people experience stigma that may prevent them from seeking out care and social support.
Alzheimer’s disease
Among the most common problems faced by the elderly in the US is Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms include trouble speaking or writing, misplacing objects, and changes in judgment. Alzheimer’s also causes the patient to become suspicious, fearful, or withdraw from social situations.
It has become a common problem among the elderly in the US, with the number of individuals suffering from it increasing every year. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are over five million people living with Alzheimer’s in the US. This is almost twice the number of people with breast and prostate cancer combined. And, the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is expected to increase by 40 percent in the United States by the year 2050.
Hearing impairment
Hearing impairment is a major problem for the elderly, and one in three people age 65 to 74 suffer from this condition. It can cause many social issues and can cause a sense of isolation in those with the condition. As a result, people with hearing problems need to seek emotional support as well as medical treatment. Unfortunately, because hearing loss is an invisible disability, people tend to dismiss its seriousness and minimize its symptoms.
Age-related hearing loss is a common problem for the elderly and affects both ears. It may be caused by a hereditary disease or may be caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise. In either case, hearing loss gradually increases with age. Symptoms include difficulty understanding speech and difficulty understanding background noise.
Loneliness after bereavement
The study looked at the relationship between loneliness and social isolation among elderly people. The study participants, who were mainly white and non-Hispanic, were aged 71 and up. More than half (59%) were female. About one in six lived alone. Loneliness was a major problem for about 43% of participants.
People who are lonely are often at a disadvantage during a grieving period. They miss their loved one and are often unable to participate in everyday activities. When this occurs, they withdraw from society and develop loneliness.