How to take care of the health of elderly relatives
A young person can usually handle stress and minor illnesses alone. As they age, it becomes harder to recover on their own. That’s why older adults need more regular health checks and health management.
Here’s how to help your loved ones stay well and live better.
Aging brings common problems like weaker muscles and bones, breathing difficulties, and issues with the heart and blood flow. Regular visits to the doctor are important. Start with a general doctor who can check your vital signs and suggest specialist tests if needed. Seeing an orthopedist, neurologist, lung doctor, or heart specialist can help catch problems early.
Many seniors avoid going to the doctor unless they’re in pain. But regular checkups help catch illnesses early, before they become serious. Explain this to your loved one, and if they have trouble walking or moving, go with them to the doctor.
Check your medicine cabinet. Make sure you have all medicines needed. If medication is forgotten, you can use a pillbox with separate compartments or stick a chart on the fridge to remind them.
It’s often harder to notice mental decline than physical problems. It’s tough to accept that someone we trust for advice might be losing their grip on reality. Still, it does happen.
The World Health Organization says early diagnosis of dementia greatly improves life quality. They link dementia to common risk factors like bad diet, smoking, alcohol, and no exercise.
Digestion often gets worse with age. Even if your grandfather once loved fried mushrooms with spice, heavy and greasy foods are no longer good. Julia Enders' book "The Charming Gut" shows how digestion affects mood and overall health. This becomes clear in older people.
To plan a good diet, stick to simple rules. Focus on mild, soft foods that are easy to chew and gentle on teeth. Keep individual needs in mind, too.
Adults may resist healthy eating advice. Especially if they once ignored their elders’ warnings. Show respect and kindness when talking about food. Instead of saying, "Grandpa, you can’t eat that, it will hurt," try, "Maybe try something lighter today." Use gentle words to help them accept changes.