With age, your older parent may develop many physical and mental conditions. We know it is never a good sight. That is why we are here to help. 

We have mentioned six health conditions that seniors may face in their old age. Read this article till the end to know these conditions to do your best to avoid them. 

Shingles

Annually, there are around one million cases of shingles in America. The shocking statistic that one in three Americans will get shingles is alarming. In fact, seniors are more likely to develop it due to their weak immune systems. 

Shingles can be caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. This is a blistering, painful skin rash that can last up to four weeks. The reason Shingles are more common in seniors is due to injuries, stress, medication, and similar other factors. 

The good news is that most seniors recover from shingles without any long-term body issues.

Oral Health

Bad oral health can impact daily life in many ways. Poor oral health can most likely take a hit on your seniors’ confidence and might inhibit them from taking part in those fun family discussions. 

It often includes tooth loss, gum disease, and dry mouth and can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, sleep disruptions, and other communication problems. 

While age can contribute to poor oral health, there are still ways that your parent can take care of their mouth. Brushing twice a day, often gargling, and avoiding foods that do not leave a smell behind can be a good starting point. 

Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be a serious and common illness in the elderly. Adults over 65 years old are more likely to develop the risk of catching pneumonia each year, even more than adults. There is also a higher chance of being hospitalized. 

In fact, it is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. Pneumonia is an acute infection of the lungs. It can be caused by any number of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Viruses are responsible for approximately one-third of all cases of pneumonia in the United States. 

Because of the high prevalence of both disability and comorbid conditions, seniors are more vulnerable to pneumonia. Additional risk factors for pneumonia are alcoholism, heart disease, immunosuppression, and asthma.

Osteoporosis

Over two million bones are broken each year in the United States by osteoporosis. This number will increase as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age. 

According to the International Osteoporosis Organization, a bone is broken every three seconds worldwide. As they age, women are more at risk because of the loss of estrogen levels. 

In fact, senior women can lose as much as 20% of their bone density in a 5-7 year period following menopause. The best way to avoid it is to monitor and prevent bone breakage.

Arthritis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that arthritis affects nearly half of Americans aged 65 and older. Acute pain can lead to severe disability and affect the quality of life. 

So, it is crucial to work with your senior’s doctor to manage arthritis and reduce the ability of your loved one to exercise.

Depression

The National Institute of Mental Health states that depression in older adults is more likely. Worse, they may not disclose their feelings of despair, putting themselves in an even darker hole. 

They are also more likely to develop depression if they suffer from a medical condition or a physical illness that could make their symptoms worse. 

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression is crucial to receive the necessary help. Depression can be treated with counseling, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of these. 

If you have concerns about your parent’s depression, consider contacting a senior care facility. They can provide you with seniors exercise DVD that contains helpful resources and guides to help your loved elderly. 

Take note of the above-mentioned senior conditions and make sure these never happen to your beloved older parent.