Are your parents ageing gracefully? Health issues to watch for...
"Ageing gracefully is something to strive for both for ourselves and our parents. As we get older, our risk of developing disease increases so it is more important than ever to live a healthy life. It is also important that as our parents age we support them in managing their health, wellbeing and safety if necessary. There are signs we can look for to gauge whether they need assistance and agencies that can support carers and parents." Dr Christine Bennett, MBF's Chief Medical Officer.
What happens when we age?
Regardless of how long we live, time takes a toll on the body and sometimes the mind. Ageing increases the risk of many diseases and conditions and that is why it is more important at this stage of life to ensure health and wellbeing is managed. Healthy ageing means actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle. That is, eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise, sleep, social interaction, managing any medical conditions and, if possible, keeping complications at bay.
1. Have your ageing parents lost weight?
Weight loss could indicate a significant health problem in your ageing parents, such as:
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Depression
- Heart failure
- Malnutrition
Any of these conditions can lead to weight loss but for different reasons. Talk to your parent if you think their weight loss may be a sign of illness. Encourage them to visit their GP. Physical impairments, lack of energy or trouble grasping cooking implements may make it difficult for them to cook for themselves. Talk to your parent about your concerns to find ways to make cooking easier.
Even if they are not losing weight, many older people become fixed in their eating habits, frequently and habitually eating the same thing. This can lead to malnutrition as some essential nutrients may be missing. Supplements may be required. Even obese people can be malnourished because they eat the wrong foods. So whether or not they are losing weight, if one of your parents seems to eat the same or similar things most meals, consider supplementation or talk to their GP.
2. Are your ageing parents safe in their home?
Take a look around the home for signs that your parents are having trouble maintaining their home. Are the lights working? Is the heat on? Has the well-maintained yard become overgrown and wild? Are there dirty dishes in the sink? Is the home cluttered with piles of newspapers and magazines?
Think in terms of safety. Are your parents having trouble navigating stairs? Have your parents mentioned any recent falls or injuries? Note any changes in your parents' hearing and vision. Difficulty reading directions on prescription medications or difficulty hearing a doctor's advice or instructions could pose safety threats.
There is strong evidence that poor vision, muscle weakness and poor nutrition can lead to falls and, often, broken bones. Make sure that eyesight is checked regularly and encourage exercise including weight-bearing activities to improve strength.
Any big changes in the way your parents do things around the house could provide clues to their health. Physical impairments may make it difficult for your parents to maintain the house.
Point out potential safety issues to your parents. Together you may be able to devise a plan to fix these problems.
3. Are your ageing parents taking care of themselves?
Pay attention to your parents' appearance and if they're keeping up with their usual personal hygiene routines. Are your parents' clothes clean? Failure to keep up with daily routines, such as bathing and grooming, could indicate health problems or may warrant looking into the availability of some assistance. Many people can maintain themselves comfortably in their own homes with only a few hours of the right type of assistance each week.
4. How are your ageing parents' spirits?
Note your parents' moods. A drastically different mood or outlook could be a sign of depression or other health concern. Ask your parents how they're feeling. Do they seem worried or withdrawn?
Talk to your parents about their activities. Are they still connecting with friends? Do they have hobbies? Are they involved in social organisations or clubs? If they are religious, do they attend regular services? Tell your parents if you think they seem down or depressed. Encourage your parents to see their GP and talk about their feelings. Social isolation is a common cause for people to become dispirited, but there are simple ways to help, including local clubs and activities. Discussing these two things is often the first step.
5. Are your ageing parents having difficulty getting around?
If your parents have any health conditions that make it difficult to get around, they may have difficulty caring for themselves. For instance, your parents may experience muscle weakness, joint problems and other age-related changes that make it difficult to move around.
Pay attention to how your parents are walking. Are they reluctant or unable to walk usual distances? Is knee or hip arthritis making it difficult to get around the house? Does your parent need a cane or walker? Talk to your parents about ways to make getting around easier.
If your parents are unsteady on their feet, they may be at risk of falling. Falls can cause major injuries and even death in older adults. The good news is that you can help your parents prevent falls by making their home safer, helping them stay active and ensuring their eyesight is made as good as it can be.
What to do if you have concerns about your ageing parents
Talk with your parents if you have any concerns about their health and safety. Knowing that you're concerned about their health may be all the motivation your parents need to see their doctor. Even so, many people don't like to acknowledge their own frailty or the onset of medical conditions. Some parents may need a little more encouragement, so let them know that you care about them and that you're worried. Consider including other people who care about your parents in the conversation, such as relatives or close friends. Together you can come up with solutions to problems around the home such as getting some home help.
If your parents aren't willing to listen to your concerns, talk to their GP for guidance. While they cannot discuss confidential information with you, they may be able to talk to your parents or assess their health and wellbeing on their next visit.
Where do I go for more information?
- Talk to your parents' GP
- Aged Care Australia (www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au) has information on where to go for home assessments, for carers, state government agencies that can provide support and where to go for help for people with special needs.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (www.dva.gov.au)