Common Chronic Health Diseases in Older Adults

As we grow older, the right nutrition plays a critical role in supporting our physical and cognitive health. But eating a healthy diet can also become more of a challenge.If youve noticed your parents or another family member is losing weight, or losing interest in enjoying their favorite foods, youll want to consider why they may no longer be eating as healthily.  There are several factors that can affect an older adults dining habits. It may be harder for them to shop and prepare meals. Or depending on their health and energy, it may be easier for them to skip a meal or replace it with snacks or processed foods. If you think there may be an issue, consider taking these steps: Be observant of their eating habits. Are there specific foods they avoid? Do they still seem interested in mealtime or certain foods? Talk to your parents about the changes youre noticing. Ask them if they are having any problems that are interfering with their diet. Losing the sense of taste and smellOne factor that can have a negative effect on appetite is the loss of taste and smell. It can begin after the age of 60 as part of the natural aging process. But there are also several issues that can contribute, according to the Mayo Clinic, such as: Nasal and sinus problems, including allergies Certain medications Dental problems Smoking Head or facial injury Alzheimers disease Parkinsons disease   The impact of losing your sense of taste and smellYour sense of taste and smell work closely together. If you struggle to smell the flavors in a food, you likely wont experience the taste. And even though your taste bud cells are replaced every couple of weeks, after the age of 50 those cells begin to lose their ability to regenerate.People who have lost at least a partial sense of taste, thirst or smell can experience a significant impact to their appetite and nutrition. It can also lead to adding unhealthy amounts of salt or sugar in an attempt to create taste. Ultimately, quality of life can be affected.Losing your feeling of thirstYour feeling of thirst signals that its time to get something to drink. But as you get older, you can lose this prompt or at least its strength. If you arent paying attention, you may become dehydrated which can lead to serious side effects such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, kidney failure or a drop in blood pressure.You can address your feeling of thirst by being diligent. Check with your doctor if you are required to monitor your fluid intake but otherwise strive to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of liquid daily.You may also want to familiarize yourself with the signs of dehydration and call your doctor if you experience any of these: Little or no urination Dark colored urine Irritability, dizziness or confusion Low blood pressure Rapid breathing and heart rate Weak pulse Cold hands and feet Dry mouth Difficulty walking   Steps to take when losing sense of taste, smell, and thirstIf your parent or loved one is losing a sense of taste and thirst, there are ways you can help. Encourage them to speak to their doctor You cant reverse the natural loss of taste and smell but if there is another cause, you might be able to treat the condition such as adjusting medications, fixing any dental problems or treating nasal and sinus conditions. Experiment with spices and flavors Look for ways to make meals taste more exciting. Talk to a dietician for ideas on how to add special seasonings to enhance flavors or which foods might naturally be easier to taste. Make dining as enjoyable as possible Even if theyre unable to regain the level of taste they once had, try to make the experience itself as pleasant as you can. Dining with others or creating a pleasant environment can help. Set a beautiful table complete with flowers and add their favorite music. Provide helpful reminders to drink Remind your parents not to rely on their sense of thirst before drinking and to pay attention to how much they have during the day. Use a water bottle with measurements in the beginning or count the number of glasses theyve had and convert to ounces.

Are your parents beginning to need extra help with basic daily tasks? You may have noticed its become more of a challenge for them to safely bathe and dress or shop and prepare meals.If they could use a helping hand, an assisted living community could offer the right support for them to embrace their best quality of life.But having the conversation and getting them to say yes is not always easy.The benefits of assisted livingWhere to begin? Understanding all the advantages can be a great place to start: Private residences and an independent lifestyle Reassure your parents that they wont lose their independence if they move into an assisted living community. Theyll still have a private residence and make their own decisions. How they choose to spend their days, when and what to eat, when to go to bed, and when to wake up will all be up to them. Help and assistance when needed Explaining how much easier the challenging daily tasks could be if they move into an assisted living community can help parents better understand the services available. Whether its assistance with laundry, grooming, or managing their medications, parents also appreciate that they dont need to always call on their children for help. Activities, social events and delicious dining Older adults who have become more isolated, or have trouble attending or participating in events and activities they always enjoyed, also appreciate only having to walk out their front door to discover whats waiting. Most residents love the idea of no longer needing to plan, prepare, cook and clean-up after meals. They only need to choose from great menu selections, sit back and enjoy. Friendships and companions Social isolation and loneliness can become a reality as we grow older, due to health, mobility or logistics. And they both have a negative impact on our health. Making new friends couldnt be simpler when an assisted living community is home. Activities and social events provide a natural setting to meet others and discover how much there is in common. Secure and maintenance-free living Security and safety are issues older adults are concerned about, even if they havent shared that with their children. But a communitys security systems and knowing help is always there provide immense reassurance.Residents who have been taking care of their own homes and the responsibilities of upkeep love the freedom that comes from having someone else take over.Parents and assisted living: encouraging them to say yesIf you could use a few tips to help your parents take advantage of all that assisted living has to offer, consider these 5 ideas: Plan ahead and prepare Gather all the needed information before your conversations. Learn as much as you can so you can address any of their concerns and answer their questions.Choose the time that works best for your parents and family but plan on having more than one conversation. Dont make your parents feel pressured. Make sure they know youre there as support but its their decision to make. Point out the advantages of assisted living but remain neutral There are many benefits of an assisted living community that go beyond the help theyll receive with the daily tasks of living. Review all the advantages but strive to remain neutral in the conversations.Adult children often immediately begin trying to talk their parents into the move. This can cause feelings of intimidation or anxiety. Many parents will resist or disengage and the conversation will be over. Match their needs to the benefits of assisted living Help your parents discuss some of their challenges and match them up with the benefits a community offers.For example, if theyre struggling to bathe safely, point out how a compassionate caregiver is trained to help in a way that preserves their dignity and independence.Is cooking a challenge? Discuss the advantage of just enjoying a delicious meal and not even having to help clean up afterward. Offer to be their partner Approach the situation as a partnership. Ultimately, this is their decision to make. Your role is one who is providing information, support and love. Offer to help them explore the different options available. Together, discuss why one solution may work better than another. If their answer today is no, what action would they consider if their health or abilities change in the future.  See an assisted living community in person Your parents may not realize what todays assisted living communities look like or know all that they provide. Ask if theyd like to see community life first-hand and arrange to take a tour together.Make sure theyre able to see different residence choices, sample a meal, and if possible, take part in some of the activities and amenities available. Ask about opportunities to visit with other residents and get their point of view.

At Grey Matters Health, we're always watching for news articles to help inform and encourage you in your brain health journey. The recent article "Doctors Share The 14 Things You Can Do To Lower Dementia Risk Right Now" from Womens Health provides expert-backed strategies to help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Dementia, including Alzheimers, affects millions globally, but proactive lifestyle changes can significantly lower the likelihood of cognitive decline.Key recommendations include maintaining a healthy weight, managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and quitting smoking. Cardiovascular health is vital, as a healthy heart promotes better brain function. Incorporating physical activity, such as walking or strength training, and eating a balanced diet, like the Mediterranean or DASH diet, supports brain health.Mental stimulation is equally important. Engage in activities that challenge your mind, like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills. Social connections also play a crucial role; maintaining an active social life helps combat loneliness and improves cognitive resilience. Additionally, quality sleep is emphasized, as inadequate rest can lead to harmful brain changes over time.Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding exposure to air pollution are other essential steps. The article underscores that while no single change guarantees protection, adopting multiple healthy habits can dramatically reduce your dementia risk and enhance overall well-being. By starting these practices now, you can protect your brain for the long term.You can read the entire article at www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a63227792/lower-dementia-risk-doctors/.For more about protecting your future independence and longevity, visit www.GreyHealthMatters.org.