Maintaining good nutrition is imperative for the overall health and wellbeing of seniors. However, it is seen that older adults are at an increased risk of malnutrition when compared to younger people. This could be due to many reasons such as low appetite, changes in taste and smell, and inability to enjoy food and following regular eating habits. Yet no matter what the reason is, inadequate nutrition can lead to many complications for seniors. The common problems caused by malnutrition in seniors include a weakened immune system, more likelihood of developing infections, poor wound healing, decreased bone mass, muscle weakness, exhaustion, and more. These problems can lead to a higher risk of hospitalization due to falls or new conditions. In some cases, malnutrition can also increase the risk of death. That is why you need to understand the factors that can lead to malnutrition in your elderly loved one and take adequate steps to prevent it. Assisted living facilities often have staff dedicated to ensuring all residents get proper nutrition. Below are some of the key factors that contribute to malnutrition in seniors. Chronic illnesses and decline in appetite due to any specific disease-related inflammation that affects how the body processes nutrients Difficulties in chewing or swallowing, inability in handling tableware, poor dental health Dementia or other behavioral or memory issues caused due to Alzheimer’s disease Taking medications that suppress appetite or affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients Dietary restrictions because of any specific medical condition, such as limits […]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 20 million older adults in the US alone are living with chronic pain. As chronic pain interferes with their daily life, seniors often take medications to manage their condition. Yet because of the opioid epidemic in recent times, doctors are reluctant to recommend pharmacological solutions for chronic pain. This can make things quite challenging for seniors, but there are ways to manage chronic pain effectively and deal with the frustrating situation without relying on medications. Causes of Chronic Pain in Seniors As we age, our body becomes weaker and paves the way for many types of complications. The most common cause of chronic pain in seniors is found to be musculoskeletal disorders that happen due to the weakening of the bones. Conditions like arthritis and degenerative spinal problems often lead to severe pain in the elderly, while ischemic pain, neuropathic pain, and pain due to cancer and its treatment are also triggers of chronic pain. Vertebral compression fractures in older women are another common cause of severe pain and discomfort. Chronic pain in seniors can lead to an increased risk of falls, functional impairment, mobility problems, and other adverse outcomes like depression and sleep issues. Pain evaluation and treatment is also very difficult in seniors because of concomitant chronic illnesses, whereas older adults also respond differently to different therapies, making it difficult to follow a treatment plan. Moreover, many seniors also have some kind of cognitive impairment that […]

As we transition into the winter season, the change in climate and dropping temperature also brings along the risks of cold and flu in seniors. While younger people can manage the flu and recover in a couple of days, the influenza virus infection can be very serious in older adults. Seniors generally have a weak immune system, which can make them prone to developing other complications like pneumonia when they have the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even says that around 80% of seasonal flu-related deaths in the country every year are reported among seniors who are over the age of 65. This is why caregivers at assisted living homes take proactive measures to prevent cold and flu in their residents. How to Prevent the Flu in Older Adults Since the influenza virus can be life-threatening for your senior loved ones, it is important to be prepared and take the right steps to help them stay healthy and protected when the weather changes. The best way to do that is to take your elderly parent or grandparent to get a flu shot. A yearly flu vaccine can help to keep them protected against influenza, which is why caregivers at assisted living homes insist on following the vaccination routine. The flu vaccine is adjusted every year to protect seniors against the current flu strains, and experts recommend older adults as well as their caregivers to get the flu shot every year. The CDC says that flu vaccination […]