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Top Health Conditions Affecting Elderly Women

March 1, 2022

As women get older, they are more likely to suffer from various health problems. This blog post will discuss the top health conditions affecting elderly women. We will also provide information on managing these conditions and improving your overall health.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. It is a condition that affects the heart and blood vessels and can lead to several serious health complications. Some of the most common symptoms of heart disease include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Heart disease can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It often occurs in elderly women and can lead to fractures and other health complications. There is no cure for osteoporosis, but several treatments are available that can help improve symptoms.

It is important to get regular bone density screenings to check for signs of osteoporosis. If you are diagnosed with the condition, it is important to take steps to protect your bones, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.

Arthritis

Elderly women aged 65 and above are more likely to experience osteoarthritis than men. There are several different types of arthritis, each with its symptoms. Arthritis can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints.

While there is no cure for arthritis currently, organizations seek to find one. The Arthritis National Research Foundation funds millions of dollars of research toward finding a cure. Many advances have been made over the years toward this goal.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing damage to the brain cells. Strokes can occur at any age, but they are most common in elderly women. The most common symptoms of a stroke include confusion, dizziness, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cause of death among women, and its incidence rises with age. Aging populations and better quality of life for elders have made it a major public health problem. More than 50% of patients with breast cancer are 65 years old or older, while around 30% are more than 70 years old.

Breast cancer is incurable, but therapies are available to help relieve symptoms. – If you have any of the typical symptoms of breast cancer, it’s vital to contact a doctor. A lump in the breast, alterations in the size or form of the breast, nipple discharge, and changes in skin texture are among them.

Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that can significantly impact older women. It can cause many symptoms, including fatigue, sadness, and difficulty concentrating. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor or mental health professional for treatment. Depression can be treated with medication and therapy, so there is no need to suffer from the condition.

Dementia

Dementia is a catch-all term that refers to any memory loss caused by illness, trauma, or otherwise. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

Short-term memory problems, inability to retain information, general perplexity, and difficulty paying attention are some of its symptoms. In addition to this, there is Parkinson’s disease that causes the loss of memory and physical deterioration in motor skills.

Dementia affects significant numbers of older women. There is no current cure, but there is a way to help manage symptoms.

Health Check-Ups for Seniors Aged 65 and Above for Women

After 65, women need to frequently see their doctor to monitor and address the top health conditions affecting elderly women. The following are some of these issues:

Glaucoma

Women over the age of 65 are more likely to develop glaucoma, an eye disease that can damage optic nerves and eventually lead to blindness. Hence, Regular checkups with an optometrist can help women in this age group lower their chance of developing glaucoma.

Mammograms

According to the American Cancer Society, women aged 65 and above should have mammograms every two years as they are more at risk for breast cancer. Female patients aged 75 should talk with their doctor about whether or not additional breast examinations are required.

Pelvic Exams and Pap Smears

Women who have had three negative pap smears in the last ten years may no longer receive pelvic exams or smears after age 65.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

colonoscopy is one of several screening tests for colorectal cancer. Please consult your physician for the test recommendations. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening adults aged 45 to 75 for colorectal cancer.

Recommended Vaccines

  • Influenza
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
  • Shingles
  • Pneumonia
  • Covid-19

Physical Health Checkups

  1. Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure is too high. High blood pressure is the root cause of various serious heart issues, including stroke, heart attacks, and more. Therefore it is important to get your blood pressure under control.
  2. Age and time can cause your eyesight to deteriorate. The current standards recommend getting a baseline vision check at age 40 and then yearly checks to see if your eyesight is deteriorating.
  3. Obese people tend to be less energetic. More than a third of older individuals aged 65 and over are obese. A doctor can assist you in maintaining your weight with diet and exercise strategies if obesity is an issue for you.
  4. Clinical Depression is one of the biggest concerns triggered by pain or social isolation as you age. Therefore it is important to talk to your doctor when dark thoughts about death and Suicide do not disappear.
  5. Dental examinations are important and often ignored health issues. Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for several oral health problems, such as tooth decay, dry mouth, and gum disease. Therefore it is vital to get oral screenings every year by dentists.

Eating a Healthy Diet 

The nutritional requirements of the elderly are different from the rest of the family. Therefore it is important to realize that eating healthy and nutritional is for an older women’s overall well-being.

Ensure that their diet includes many lean proteins like lean meat, eggs, green veggies, fruits, and vegetables. As much as possible, try to serve whole-wheat pasta and brown rice. Consider serving foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and reduced sodium.

We hope this blog post is useful in learning about the top health conditions affecting elderly women.

Professional Care for Your Loved One

Home Care Powered by AUAF provides in-home services for seniors. Our in-home caregivers are trained to meet your loved one’s needs in various personal care services. We have been a trusted home care agency for over 25 years. Our dedicated caregivers provide companion care, medication reminders, and help with light housekeeping.

Call us today at 773-274-9262 and ask how Home Care Powered by AUAF can help you and your loved one have a good quality of life.

 

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