The Realities of Ageing; Top 7 Common, Complex Concerns
#elderlyhealth #immunesystem #frail #infection #familycaregivers #old hearts #pneumonia #skininfection #loneliness
Senior September continues with a look at some not too pleasant but everyday topics which may seem inevitable.
Ageing is : fun, a time of renewal, an opportunity to mentor, to make new friends, live life!
And yes, reality check!
It IS a time when things are what they are🤷🏽♀️
Join me as I discuss 7 of the most common complaints of older persons (Keeping it real , but don't despair!)
1/ Osteoarthritis -😟, back, neck , shoulder, knees- they all seem to work only when they want to and yes , they can predict the weather!
2/ Heart disease❣️- older arteries are stiffer, prone to blockage; in addition other chronic conditions may be present which increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes
3/"The Big "C"- Cancer- colon, breast, prostate, can affect older persons to a slightly higher degree as the health of cells, small mutations, and slowing of the normal healing processes make this concern valid (and scary)
4/ Memory loss/dementia/Alzheimer's disease- imagine how frustrating it can be for an older person to feel as though they are no longer themselves, and cannot /do not communicate their feelings, making things worse, delaying help
5/ Frailty- studies show that this is on the rise not only because we have a globally ageing population, but because there is still fallout from the inactivity resulting from global mandatory "stay at home" orders (for safety reasons), has led to some older persons weaker and thus more unwilling to move around.
6/ Reduced hearing, vision, loss of teeth and gum disease all compound these factors- reducing the quality of life.
7/ LONELINESS- general isolation has skyrocketed over the past few years and older persons , especially those who can no longer get around as they used to (or their peers for that matter)
Problems problems problems.......................
What CAN be done?
Focus on the 5 "F"s:
1/ Fun 2/ Friendship and Family 3/ Focus (mindset) 4/ Fitness (start low and go slow) and 5/ Fluids (hydrate! - it does help , in everyway!
You Got This!!!💘🎯We Got This!🎯💘🫱🏽🫲🏾!
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
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Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com
For more insights and connect for a FREE face-to-Face 15 minute Zoom call, and a place where we can connect as physicians on my website:
lanaslittlethings.com
If you're a Family Caregiver at your wit's end, needing a different perspective, set up your free 15-minute coaching call-also by email -lana@lanaannemd.com - or on lanaslittlethings.com.
I always look forward to meeting Fellow Family Caregivers- we gotta stick together!💯
#elderly health #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #depressionsymptoms #familycaregivers #mentalhealthstigma
Senior September continues with Mental Health Awareness!
This is still a hush-hush topic, but we must have the conversation.
Confusing, convoluted, and overlapping with so many other age related concerns. How CAN you tell if you or your loved one is struggling with mental health illness, and is there help?
There is always help of some kind. Awareness is key!
The major illnesses of
👉🏽😢Depression
👉🏽😠😢😡😂😀Mood swings
👉🏽💤😵💫Sleep disturbance
👉🏽🤐Withdrawal and disinterest
Especially if you are a Family Caregiver, please join me in the discussion on :
🧓🏽3 reasons why older persons are at risk for mental health illness
🧓🏽3 early signs early signs of mental health illness and
🧓🏽3 methods that may work with early intervention and management
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🧓🏽3 reasons why older persons are at risk for mental health illness:
1/GRIEF and LOSS - as they see or hear of close friends , relatives and workmates die, there is an (understandable) sense of fear : "Will I be next"?
2/Onset of CHRONIC ILLNESS - (hypertension, heart disease and the like, especially if one has been in good health before)
3/RETIREMENT-gateway to "freedom"? Or an open door into a scary unknown or loss of identity?
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🧓🏽3 early signs of mental health illness:
Similar to infection in the elderly , mental health illness may not be straightforward may not as it can overlap with other diseases.
Bear in mind that these symptoms are usually to be thought significance after 6 weeks of consistent change, and is by no means exhaustive.
What is a broad , general rule of thumb? Be keenly observant for :
1/🧓🏽loss or increase of appetite (food and drink or one more than the other)
2/🧓🏽withdrawal- not as communicative , more tired, apathetic- not caring for self or house or surroundings and
3/🧓🏽they give up wanting to "bother " with health care in general- neglecting medication, refusing doctor visits.
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🧓🏽3 methods that may work with early intervention and management, remembering to be tactful and always mindful of preserving their dignity and right to be involved in their own care:
1/ Ask them if they feel unwell (most questions may be met with denial), so be inventive- call the Family Physician who may be able to persuade for lab tests that may indicate a treatable cause (such as vitamin deficiency)
2/Routine - having a definite idea of your daily plans makes life seem less mundane and worthwhile
3/ Physical exercise (safety 1st!), Memory games... they work!
We ALL need and deserve to feel valid.💖
From my heart to yours always💗
Dr. Lana
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👉🏽If you're a Family Caregiver or Fellow Physician at your wit's end, needing a different perspective, set up your free 15-minute coaching call with me- 📧 -lana@lanaannemd.com - or on my website lanaslittlethings.com for more insights
We are better together!💯