A primer on aging for seniors
People are living longer than ever. Many are living happy, healthy and contented lives. But minds and bodies progressively change over time. Some changes are part of normal aging. Others are warning signs of potentially serious health problems that, without treatment, can hinder happiness, produce suffering and bring earlier death than necessary. It’s important to know the difference between normal changes and danger signals.
With normal aging the cardiovascular system becomes less efficient. Blood vessels become stiffer as they lose some of their elasticity. Because it must work harder to supply blood to the body, the heart tends to increase in size and beat a little more slowly. The elderly should have their blood pressures checked regularly.
Bones become thinner, weaker, more brittle and prone to crack and break, especially if seniors do not exercise regularly. It’s important that they protect their bones by taking Calcium and Vitamin D supplements and drinking low fat milk as part of their regular diets.
Memory becomes less efficient. The “tip of the tongue” grows with age, like Pinocchio’s nose. It takes longer to learn new things and recall well-known terms and familiar names. Cross-word puzzles and memory games help keep minds active.
For many, hearing becomes dimmer and following conversations in noisy or crowded places more difficult. When diminished hearing becomes problematic, or if hearing in one or both ears changes abruptly, hearing should be screened.
Eyes can become dry, sensitive to glare, and have difficulty adjusting to different light levels. It’s important to wear sunglasses and a wide-brim hat in direct sunlight to protect the eyes. Seniors should have regular eye examinations, with dilatation of the pupils, and seek care immediately for sudden changes like blurred vision, loss of vision, double vision, flashes of light, eye pain or swelling.
Constipation, with hard and dry stools, is more common when diet, water consumption and exercise patterns change during aging. Some medications, like diuretics, (“water pills”), iron supplements and pain relievers can contribute to constipation. Along with exercise and drinking extra fluids, seniors’ diets should contain fresh fruits and vegetables to keep stools soft.
Because of their gender differences, men and women may have different urinary issues. Many men find it more difficult to start their urine stream or it may stop before they’re finished. Women may have urgency, uncontrolled dribbling and frequency of urination. Diabetes can contribute to problems with controlling urination.
Gums tend to recede or pull back from teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and infection that can spread throughout the body. Some medications, like antihistamines and blood pressure drugs, may produce dry secretions and increase the risk of tooth decay and infection. Sucking on sugar-free hard candy can help reduce dry mouth. Teeth should be brushed twice daily and flossed to prevent the build up of plaque, tooth decay and gum infection. Teeth should be cleaned twice a year.
With aging, skin becomes thinner, dryer, less elastic and vulnerable to damage from the sun and bumps and bruises. Protective clothing should be worn over exposed areas to protect the skin from wind and extremes of temperature. Sunscreen should be worn to protect from direct exposure to the sun.
Finally, the stiffness and aches and pains resulting from aging, hormonal alterations, some medications and acquired conditions like diabetes can change patterns of sexual interest and the ability to enjoy previous sexual activities. In men, these changes have been given the disease name, “Erectile Dysfunction,” and medications are available to treat it. These drugs interact with many medications that seniors regularly take and, with advancing age, have more adverse effects. Couples who cooperate to help each other with sexual pleasure can explore different avenues to satisfaction. Many individuals find new methods of pleasuring themselves through masturbation. Sexual pleasure doesn’t have to cease or be drastically reduced by aging.
Regular professional health care should include periodic blood pressure checks, skin exams, immunization for influenza, pneumonia and shingles, and twice yearly dental checkups.
Some excellent reminders. I’m going to keep this one and re-read it periodically.