It is generally considered that old age is a difficult phase of one’s life. To some extent this is true because old age leads to disability of the body, poor health, memory loss, hearing problems and several eye problems. In addition old age also coupled with family burdens and other responsibilities. All these problems make the old people depressed and give a feeling of helplessness and an insecure life. In addition old people imagine that everybody in the family are ignoring and are not paying much attention towards them as they are not an earning members of the family. With the result they usually get isolated and make things worst. More over generally the children leave their parents and live at far off places creating difficulty for them to take care of the old parents.
However with all these problems one must consider that old age is a phase of our life just like childhood and young age. Old age too is one phase of our life and one must be prepared to face it and live happily. One should not get frightened or become panicky to face old age. Old people if they take proper precautions and plan for the old age can live happily. It is in our hands to make it more comfortable and happy. Improved medical facilities are available now even in villages and there should not be any problem to maintain a good health. Let us explore the problems of old age how to cope them to be happy in old age also.
Criteria considered for the old age:
If age is taken as criteria for old age, 60-65 years is considered as old age since many organizations and governments in the world retire their employees by that age considering their reduced ability in performing their duties and mental abilities. Certain physiological changes in the body like graying of hair, wrinkles of the body, menopause in women, changes in the work patterns, capabilities, and eye sight problems etc. are also are signs of becoming old.
Common problems encountered and tips for their relief:
Changes in the vision: Vision changes are very common in the old age. Every body faces one problem or other in the old age. The first visionary change seen is unable to see the near objects with out the use of bifocal glasses. This is commonly seen at the age of about 40 years or slightly later in some. Slowly as the age advances some more visionary changes like cataract, age related macular degeneration, and condition like glaucoma are also develop. Therefore prompt examination of eyes and frequent check ups are very important to maintain proper vision in old age too. Macular degeneration if diagnosed early progression of the disease can be further prevented by using vitamins, antioxidants and medical intervention. Similarly glaucoma also should be treated promptly to avoid loss of vision. Regular check up of the eyes by a competent ophthalmologist can prevent several diseases of the eye. Old people suffering with diabetes should take extra care for checking their eyes regularly since eye problems (Problems related to retina) are more common in people suffering with diabetes.
Dental problems:
Dental problems like decayed teeth, loose teeth, gingivitis, painful teeth, thrush, dry mouth and mouth ulcers are common in old age. But most of these problems can be prevented are treated by visiting regularly a suitable dentist. Besides regular life style and good habits in eating and brushing the teeth prevents dental problems. If proper dental hygiene is not followed other serious problems may arise. The following tips can help to prevent dental problems in the old.
Regular brushing the teeth twice daily and flossing helps to prevent plaque formation and teeth decay.
It is better to use a tooth paste containing fluoride.
Regular check ups with a qualified dentist helps to identify the problem and prevent or treat.
Painful joints:
This is another common problem in the old age. Painful joints are a real problem makes the person immobile and reduces their activity. Osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, fractures of the hip joint, osteoporosis are some of the common complaints in the old age. Nowadays excellent treatment plans are available to treat knee problems and other joint related problems. Regular check up with a competent doctor helps to reduce the joint problems in the old. However one must be able to learn how to cope up with the joint pains is very important. Excessive use of pain killers should be avoided since it may lead to other complications. Any medication especially pain killers should be used under the direction of a competent orthopedic doctor. Regular exercise helps in reducing the joint pains. If over weight a reduction in the weight by following a diet plan reduces the overweight. As a precautionary measure it is advisable to use a hand stick while walking to safeguard against slips.
Hearing loss:
We commonly see old people with reduced hearing level. It is a serious matter since they cannot hear properly and communicate with others. Hence they feel lonely and become suspicious and sometime aggressive without any apparent cause. Since hearing loss in old is age related problem visiting a doctor can help to find out the exact cause and suggest a hearing aid. Some times the reason may be a simple cause like accumulation of wax in the ear. Removal of the wax helps in restoring the hearing.
Lowered immune system:
The immune system in old age gets weak resulting in exposure to various diseases as it cannot fight against the infections as in young age. As such the old are likely to expose to several infections. Proper care should be taken to improve the resistance of the body by building up of the body’s immunity. Regular exercise and nutrition helps to build up immunity. Wholesome fresh vegetables and fruits in the regular diet help to restore the immunity. Vitamins and antioxidants also help to boost the immunity. People especially suffering with breathing problems should not expose to cold winds as it may precipitate an attack of asthma. Vitamins like C, E and beta carotene are well known immunity boosters. Spinach, Carrots, Broccoli, Oranges, Bananas, Sweet potatoes, Almonds are some of natural sources of antioxidants and including them in the regular diet helps to maintain a good health. Above all these nutrition factors maintaining a calm mind without any worries play an important role in maintaining high levels of immunity. Therefore meditation, yoga and relaxation exercises help to give peace of mind and give relief for the disturbed mind. Reading good books and hearing soft and melodious music also give a soothing relief to the mind. Gardening and spending time with pets also enhance peace of mind thereby help to boost immunity.
Cardiovascular problems in old age:
This is another major front of problems faced by the old people. Majority of deaths in old age are due to cardio vascular diseases only. High pressure, heart attacks and strokes are common diseases that strike in the old age. As the age advances the blood vessels loose their elasticity and get thickened. With the result they cannot relax during pumping of the blood thereby raising the blood pressure more than the normal when the heart contracts (Systole). If this situation continues body maintain always high blood pressure. Due to the high blood pressure other organs in the body also get affected. The other problem is the formation of plaque formation in the blood vessels. Due to the formation of plaque the arteries that supply blood to the myocardium (Heart muscle) is reduced causing hear failure and heart attacks. If this happens in the arteries of the brain results in stroke producing paralysis of the affected part. To avoid such in the old age the following tips may be followed.
Regular exercise preferably walking daily for about 30 minutes, yoga, and relaxation exercises help greatly.
Follow a healthy diet with less salt and fatty foods, dairy products. Include fresh vegetables fruits is a good idea to maintain good health. Avoid red meat and always eat less. Adequate calcium, Vitamin D and K especially for women are required for prevention of osteoporosis.
If you are a smoker and alcoholic avoid both since they enhance the chances of cardio vascular problems.
Regular sleep and sleeping during day time for at least an hour greatly reduces stress and help to reduction in high blood pressure.
Keep active by creating useful hobbies, solving puzzles and playing with children.
Regular pranayama or breathing exercises greatly help in reducing the high blood pressure and longevity.
Keep away from emotions like anger, irritation etc. Happiness is more important to boost up immunity. So keep yourself always in a happy mood.
Short term memory loss:
It is another problem that many old people suffer. To get over the problem always make it a point to note down all the important things to be performed or to be remembered in a note book and check frequently.
Other diseases that affect the old: Cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, fractures of the hip bone are some of the other serious diseases that affect in the old age. Regular check ups with a specialist will help to diagnose early and to control. Therefore after the age of 40 persons should visit a family doctor and undergo a health check up. The following schedule can be followed which help in diagnosing the disease in early will stage itself.
Blood pressure:
Periodically once in 3 months.
Blood glucose:
Once in a year
Serum cholesterol:
Once in a year
Serum creatinine:
Once in a year
Mammography for women:
Annually
Prostate test in men:
Annually
Pap smear test for women:
Annually
Bone density test:
Periodically
The above lists of tests are not exhaustive therefore doctor’s advice should be taken and followed for screening the health status.
As we see from the above old age is a phase or a part of our life and we have to accept and face boldly and learn to live happily and make old age more comfortable and enjoyable.
