Once your dad reaches the age of 65, there are a number of health issues he may face. Pay attention to your dad’s health and watch for signs. The earlier he seeks treatment, the better it is for both of you.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Estimates from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America put the current number of men and women in the U.S. with this disease at more than 5 million. The older your dad gets, the higher the risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Early indicators of Alzheimer’s include memory loss and confusion, difficulty coming up with the right word, mood swings, and trouble with daily routines.
Arthritis
According to the CDC, more than 54 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed as having arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form. The CDC also reports that adults diagnosed with arthritis have a higher risk of falling. Generally, people with arthritis will feel pain and stiffness in the joints. It can affect mobility.
Cancer
A 2006 report from the American Clinical and Climatological Association reports that 70 percent of all cancer deaths occurred in people over the age of 65. This put the risk of developing cancer at 10 times more than a younger adult. Common cancers in the elderly include bladder, colon, lung, pancreatic, prostate, stomach, and uterine. Symptoms vary, so it’s important to keep up with yearly health exams. Weight loss, blood in the urine or fecal matter, stomach pain, and weight loss are just a few possibilities.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD was the third leading cause of death in 2014 according to CDC statistics. It was more common in adults over the age of 65. COPD makes it difficult to walk up stairs or exercise. Catching it early can help with the overall outlook. Watch your dad for shortness of breath or wheezing when engaging in physical activities. You may also notice his lips or fingernails appear bluish, his ankles or legs swell up, and that he doesn’t seem to have normal levels of energy.
Heart Disease
The American Heart Association estimates that more than 83 million adults have some form of heart disease. After the age of 60, 70 percent of adults have heart disease and that increases to more than 80 percent after one’s 80th birthday. Symptoms include swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs, lack of energy, shortness of breath when active, and an irregular heartbeat.
Senior care specialists can help your dad manage his treatment plan. A senior care professional can help with medication reminders, meal preparation, transportation to appointments, and companionship when exercising. Call a senior care agency today to learn more.
Sources: https://www.alzfdn.org/AboutAlzheimers/statistics.html
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1500929/
https://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html
https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_319574.pdf
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Newton MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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