Growing age and changing physical structure

Growing up with the age makes the person weak, not only physically but mentally as well. Here we are discussing some alterations that come with the growing age.
1. Brain Memory loss and confusion
Many people become anxious about developing memory impairments as they transit into being senior citizens. Confusion and loss of memory were thought to be inevitable parts of aging in the past, but we now know that people can still remain alert despite aging. Senior citizens and those responsible for providing their elder care should be aware of these changes in memory and work to prevent, identify, and treat them.
Over the past several years, researchers have been looking at a type of cognitive change known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This is separate from cognitive changes related to aging and often progresses to AD over some years. Senior citizens with amnestic MCI have a specific memory difficulty and have ongoing problems with memory, but they do not develop other losses seen in AD like confusion, attention problems, and problems with language.

2. Bones and Joints
As we age, our bones and movable joints are subject to wear and tear. The most common conditions among senior citizens in this area of the body are as follows:
Osteoporosis. This is a disease that causes bones mainly in the hips, backbone, and wrists to weaken to the point of breaking easily. As people, especially women, age into their 40s and 50s, bones start to weaken, and the outer shell of the bone gets thinner.
Arthritis. This is not one type of disease; there are many types of arthritis, and each has different symptoms and treatments. In general, arthritis can become a problem in most any joint in the body. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type in senior citizens. It begins when cartilage begins to wear away, and at its worst, all the cartilage in a joint is worn away, causing bare bones to painfully rub against each other. Conversely, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. It leads to inflammation in the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness for hours.

Consuming enough calcium and vitamin D and including regular weight-bearing exercise in your lifestyle are extremely important in preventing weak bones in senior citizens. Methods of improving quality of life and reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis include weight loss and exercises in light resistance and flexibility. In rheumatoid arthritis, the most effective treatment is drug therapy to modify the immune system response and decrease joint damage.

3. Eyes and Ears
Eyesight usually declines around age 40, and cataracts and macular degeneration may develop around age 60. Hearing weakens with age.
Sight:
Presbyopia. This is a gradual loss of ability to see objects close to you or read small print. This condition is normal in senior citizens, and can be treated with a pair of glasses.
Cataracts. These are areas of cloudiness in the lens of the eye that cause loss of sight. Generally, these form slowly without symptoms, and some remain small and can be harmless. Others may grow large or dense, harming vision. Cataract surgery, which is very safe and common, can be very helpful.
Glaucoma. This is a result of fluid inside the eye causing too much pressure. Gradually, this pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to loss of vision and blindness. Often, senior citizens with glaucoma lack early symptoms of pain or pressure, but annual eye exams that include dilating your pupils can protect you from developing this disease.
Retinal disorders. The most prevalent among senior citizens is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects the area of the retina that provides sharp central vision. Treatment of AMD includes photodynamic therapy, which uses a drug and a strong light to delay the progress of the disorder. Another common retinal disorder is a degenerative disease that affects vision and is called diabetic retinopathy. It is important that senior citizens seek appropriate medical care, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and have frequent follow-ups to help reduce its prevalence.
Hearing:
Presbycusis. This is slowly progressing hearing loss caused by aging.
Tinnitus. This is a ringing, roaring, or other noise that may come with hearing loss. It may be caused by loud noise, hearing loss, some medicines, and other health problems like allergies or problems in the heart and blood vessels.

4. Digestive and Metabolic.
Gastrointestinal problems are more common in senior citizens. Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly, causing the contents of the stomach to leak back-or reflux-into the esophagus. If this sensation of heartburn happens more than two times per week, it may be considered to be GERD, which can lead to more serious health risks.
Since the occurrence of such changes with growing age is natural, it is always recommendable to arrange for proper elder care. For finding details about care seekers and care givers in your area you can log on to: www.thecaringspace.com

Michael Vaughan is a social activist who is working to determine suitable standards for all home care centers. For about two years he has focused on issues of home care centers and has talked with many people about their experiences with home care agency agencies. He currently works with TheCaringSpace.com, a site that allows caregivers to easily connect with seniors in need of care.

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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