Health problems in Elderly Women- Understanding Common Age-Related Diseases
As we grow older, our body goes through various changes. For every daughter, son, and even the women themselves, understanding the common health problems in elderly life can feel a bit overwhelming. In India, it is common for women to take care of everyone but put their needs last.
This is the reason why women’s health issues aren’t taken seriously until they get excessively serious. [2]
While growing older is a biological process, it is mandatory to focus on our overall well-being and on what we can do to keep ourselves healthier. Elderly women should take extra care of their health.
Key Takeaways
- Be Proactive: Most health problems in elderly women are easier to handle when caught early through proper diagnosis.
- Maintain Balance: Good food, physical movement, and a happy mind are the secrets to better aging and health.
- Expert Help Matters: Specialized doctors, known as geriatricians, know exactly how to manage the different needs of seniors, including elderly women.
Understanding Health Problems in Elderly Women
Growing older is a natural part of life, but it brings certain health issues in elderly women that we need to talk about. In our country, the way we live and eat has a big impact on women’s health, particularly elder women. Often, women ignore small pain and tiredness, thinking it’s part of growing old, but it’s not always true.
Women go through unique physiological transitions and need to pay special attention to their own needs.
Understanding the most common health problems in elderly women allows their family and caregivers to take necessary steps, ensuring that their golden days are spent in comfort and peace instead of medical distress.
The Rising Concern of Women’s Health Issues in India
In the Indian context, women’s health issues in India mostly go unnoticed and unaddressed for various reasons. As life expectancy has increased, women are living longer but not necessarily healthier. Elderly women face more health issues than men and are leading their lives while suffering from nutritional deficiencies and chronic health issues.
By focusing on their aging and health, we can bridge the gap between simply living longer and living healthier. [2]
6 Major Physical Health Problems in Elderly Women
Bone Health
Arthritis (inflammation of joints) is extremely common in women than in men and usually goes unnoticed because they do not complain about it. Another major bone health issue is osteoporosis, which reduces bone density.
Due to lower bone mass compared to men, women are at a greater risk of fractures. This is why a geriatric medicine doctor often emphasizes calcium-rich diets and weight-bearing exercises to combat these common old age diseases.
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular issues or heart health issues remain the most concerning among old age diseases. Post-menopause, women lose the protective effects of estrogen, making them prone to hypertension and heart attacks. [3]
Diabetes
Among women’s health issues in India, diabetes is a major issue. Being mostly active in housework, socio-cultural changes, and maintaining poor diets are the major factors causing diabetes in older women. [3]
Cancer
Major deaths in women are caused by either cervical cancer or breast cancer. Symptoms should not be ignored, and early detection is necessary for proper treatment and recovery. [1][3]
Reproductive and Menstrual Health
Reproductive and menstrual health problems are the major causes of other health issues in women. Therefore, it becomes necessary for women to take care of themselves from the early days so that complications do not occur at old age.[1]
Some other common health issues include poor vision, loss of hearing, poor digestion, and even oral problems. Ignoring your health issues considering them “normal” is wrong and consult a doctor immediately. Eskag Sanjeevani has experts always ready to look after you.
Mental Health Issues in Elderly Women
If you’re concerned about aging and health and health problems in the elderly, you should also prioritise mental health. For everyone, especially older women, it becomes necessary to take care of their mental health as you take care of your physical health.
Loneliness and Depression
Compared to older men, women suffer more from loneliness and, in turn, depression. Most of the family members are out, and they are confined to the four walls of the house. Thus, isolation becomes a significant factor in women’s health issues in India.
These symptoms include:
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Dementia and alzheimer’s are among the most challenging diseases in older women which not only affect the individuals but also their families. At Eskag Sanjeevani, we have expert geriatricians who focus on memory care and right therapies to slow these health problems.
The Role of Specialised Geriatricians
Health problems in elderly women can be controlled by consulting expert geriatric medicine doctors. Understanding the health care system can be challenging for older women and this is where comes the requirement of specialised geriatricians.
Nutritional Needs and Preventive Care
Preventive care is the best step to avoid health problems in elderly women and worsen any further complications. [4]
It is important to take proper nutritional foods and engage in light exercises. Make sure to:
- Take vitamin D and calcium rich food items
- Eat foods that are rich in fibre and protein
- Eat fruits and drink water to stay hydrated
- Go out for a walk and do meditation
- Do yoga or some light exercises
- Spend quality time with your loved ones
- Go for regular check-ups and screenings
- Consult a geriatrician
These may seem easier while reading or when you are preparing for a “what-to-do-list” but on a longer run it will be difficult to maintain these and follow a healthy routine. As a woman, particularly elderly women, need to understand that taking care of themselves and their needs is equally rather more important than taking care of the family members.
Ask yourself is it really okay to ignore your health? Health problems in elderly women remains unnoticed but it is important to address them properly and for that it is important for women to observe their own health patterns and look for professional guidance.
Why Consult Geriatricians?
Geriatricians are medical experts who specialise in the needs of elderly people. Unlike general physicians, geriatricians look at the “whole person”, managing multiple medications and overlapping health problems in elderly patients to prevent any further complications.
By recognizing the early symptoms of old age diseases and seeking the guidance of the right medical experts, we can manage women’s health issues in India more effectively. Whether it is through lifestyle changes or proper healthcare treatment, supporting our elderly women is a collective responsibility that rewards us with their wisdom and presence for years to come.
Eskag Sanjeevani: The Right Choice
Looking for the best care and proper guidance? At Eskag Sanjeevani, we provide the best for all our patients. A geriatric medicine doctor is important for creating a long-term wellness plan. They understand that aging and health are interlinked and need extra care. They work to manage old age diseases and help you to lead a better life.
As a leading hospital in North Kolkata, we provide the best for our patients. At Eskag Sanjeevani, we have experienced geriatricians and other trained professionals who have been treating their patients with focus and care. We also offer:
- Affordable and safe treatment
- Patient-centric care
- 24/7 medical emergencies
- 24/7 ambulance facility
- Virtual reports
- Trained medical experts
- Safe and faster recovery
References
There are a number of health issues that elderly women suffer like blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and even cancer.
Yes, older women are prone to health challenges and sufferings compared to men and need proper care and treatment.
Certain health issues are curable but conditions like cancer, dementia, osteoporosis can be kept in control but cannot be completely cured.
Avoid eating junk foods and eat healthier. Eat foods rich in nutrients like vitamins, fibre and protein. Also it is important to stay hydrated.
Yes, women in general feel more stressed and depressed. Elderly women often feel lonelier as they are usually confined inside their houses when their family members are out at work.
Yes, it is mandatory for women to engage in physical activities. Apart from household activities, doing proper exercises and yoga is necessary. Spend some time with your family and loved ones.