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Health Issues for Older Adults

A good night’s sleep for older adults

Common causes of sleep problems

• Irregular bedtime

• Drinking alcolhol before bedtime

• Daytime napping

• Too much caffeine

• Medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain or heartburn

• Medications (especially for colds, allergies and high blood pressure

• Stress (major life changes, perhaps the death of a loved one

• Sleep disorders such as apnea, loud snoring

• Restless leg syndrome

 Improving sleep

• Establish a regular schedule

• Make the bedroom a quiet place of rest – not for work or paying bills

• Don’t nap during the day

• Limit caffeine and alcohol

• Discourage smoking.

• Get exercise early in the day, not just before bed

 Depression

Signs of depression

• Constant feelings of sadnes or emptiness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities

• Weight gain or loss

• Too much or too little sleep

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Nagging feeling of worthlessness or guilt

• Trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions

• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Treatment for depression

• Medication

• Psychotherapy

• Physical activity

• Pleasant activities such as playing with a pet (or a grandchild)

• Limit alcohol and caffeine

• Spend time with friends and family

 Healthy nutrition for older adults

Eating challenges for older adults

• Loss of taste and smell can make food less appetizing

• Dry mouth

• Mouth pain or missing teeth

• “I’m just not hungry.”

• Low tolerance of milk

• Medications affect nutritional need

• Living alone, people may find mealtime boring or depressing

Nutritional Help

•Older adults require fewer calories

• Calcium is essential for healthy bones

•Vitamin D is also essential, as it helps the body absorb calcium. Exposure to sunlight two or three times a week will help the body provide Vitamin D

• Vitamin C. Serve lots of citrus fruits, tomatoes, green peppers and berries

• Cut back sodium, especially with high blood pressure or heart disease

• If diet is inadequate, supplement with multivamins that provide 100 percent of the RDA for most vitamins and minerals

Controlling Constipation

What causes constipation?

• Not enough fiber in the diet:

• Not enough liquids

• Lack of exercise

• Misuse of laxatives or enemas

• Ignoring the urge to go

• Medications

• Physical problems

Solutions

• Eating more fiber: more vegetables, fruits, grains, fewer meats, processed foods

• Drink plenty of fluids. But, as always, limit caffeine and alcohol

• Stay active

• Take time out when nature calls

• Ask your doctor if your medications could be a problem

Urinary incontinence

What causes urinary incontinence?

Urinary tract infections may sometimes cause urinary incontinence, along with other symptoms such as burning sensation or discolored urine. There are four common types of UI:

• Stress incontinence. Exercise, coughing, sneezing, pushing a chair. Common among women

• Urge incontinence. Sudden involuntary urine loss

• Functional incontinence. When you are unable to reach the bathroom in time.

• Overflow incontinence. Bladder is so full it leaks. Common among men.

What can reduce symptoms

• Kegels exercises. Strengthen the ring of muscles around the urethra

• Schedule regular bathroom breaks

• Manage fluids. Reduce intake close to bedtime, have more in the morning

• Improved toilet access.

• Protective pads and garments. Get something Dependable

• Surgery in rare cases

Freedom from falls

Stay on your feet

• Make sure rooms and hallways are well lit

• Remove objects and cords from walking paths

• If you use throw rugs, have nonskid rugs or use nonslip tape.

• Install handrails in the bathroom. Never use towel racks or soap dishes for support

•Provide a shower chair and handheld shower nozzle

• Watch out for pets underfoot

• Exercise

• And, as always, limit alcohol intake

 Mobility for older adults

Regular exercise helps older adults stay strong, flexible and maintain good balance longer. It slows the aging process, and you feel better too.

Suggested exercises

• Walking – at the mall, around the block, recreation center

• Swimming or water aerobics

• Low impact aerobics

• Weight training

• Yoga or tai chi

• Dancing

• Gardening

• Bike riding

• Golf – but skip the cart and walk the course!

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 Source: Summahealth.org