Understanding the Unique Health Needs of Ageing Adults

Dr.Rakesh Pandit, 4 mins read

Geriatric is a branch of medicine that deals with problems and diseases of older adults. The people who provide this special medical care are known as geriatricians. These specialists are well-trained to address age-related medical conditions and illnesses.

Geriatricians specifically focus on keeping the functional ability of older adults and improving their quality of life. They are also famous as caregivers and work closely with the patient’s family members.

With age, unique sets of medical challenges come into life. Understanding these problems, taking the proper precautions and consulting with geriatricians can go a long way in supporting their well-being. 

• Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of diseases and illnesses that affect the person’s thinking, reasoning, memory, mood and behaviour. The decline in mental function influences daily life and activities. 

A geriatric doctor specialises in diagnosing and managing this disease. The doctor conducts some physical examinations and laboratory tests to diagnose the problem. Based on the diagnosis result, the doctor prescribes a course of treatment.

• Depression
  

Depression is a mood disorder that is quite common among older adults. That’s because of loneliness and social isolation in older age. It can also happen due to any medical condition. This problem can affect how a person thinks, feels and acts.

The symptoms of depression in older people don’t always look the same as depression in younger adults. With proper treatment and care, depression can get better. 

• Arthritis
  

Arthritis is one of the common conditions that majorly affects people older than 65 years of age. The condition is described as swelling, pain and tenderness in one or more joints. It can decrease mobility as well as lower the quality of life. Working with a doctor can help the patient come out of this debilitating problem. The doctor may recommend a personalised activity plan and treatment course.

• Fall Injuries

Ageing brings mobility and balance problems. Almost three out of ten people over 70 years of age are prone to this condition. Mobility and balancing problems make people vulnerable to falls, which sometimes lead to bone breakage.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent fall injuries. Talk to a geriatrician. He or she will perform a fall assessment exam to discover and address fall risk factors, which include:

1. Vision problems
   
2. Vertigo
   
3. Weakness
   
4. Cognitive impairment
   
5. Foot problems
   
6. Chronic condition
   
7. Environmental hazards (poor lighting, slippery rugs, etc.)

• Cardiovascular Disease

Ageing can lead to changes in heart and blood vessel functioning, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases. People older than 65 years are more likely to get these conditions. A geriatrician will advise on periodic checkups and several tips to help you manage cardiovascular health.

• Incontinence

The condition refers to the involuntary release of urine. Although it can happen to anyone, older adults, especially women, are more at risk. Conditions like weak bladder, overactive bladder muscles, damage to the nerve that controls the bladder and pelvic organ prolapse can lead to incontinence. This problem can be embarrassing and cause people to avoid social gatherings and activities. 

The good news is that it can be stopped and controlled. A geriatrician can prescribe assistive devices, exercises, urination schedules, medications and more to deal with this problem.

Also, Read: Vitamin D: Signs That You Need It