Women may live longer lives than men on average, but this does not necessarily entail being fitter. Senior women are more prone than men to many scenarios, and diseases affecting both genders affect them differently. Older women drop dead from the exact causes of males, such as cancer and coronary heart disease. On the other hand, women are more prone to having chronic health conditions that affect their quality of life, such as diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis. Managing necessary support, navigating a changing environment, Being connected and engaged, and Trying to stay well are essential themes in older women’s health. The essential factors to be considered for older women’s healthy life are listed below.
- Destitution/Alienation/Isolation
As the country’s socioeconomic scenario evolves rapidly, along with a fast-paced modern lifestyle and rapid urbanization, younger generations increasingly interact with their elderly family members. The popularity of the nuclear family system has virtually destroyed the strong traditional bond that exists between grandchildren and grandparents.
- Insecurity in the Society
As the family structure has gradually disintegrated, older women in cities are more vulnerable to social alienation than their counterparts in villages. Because of a lack of social protection, older women have been forced to live difficult life.
- Financial Uncertainty
As women’s life expectancy has increased, financial insecurity has emerged as another significant concern, directly impacting health-related decisions. The majority of women do not have the right to inherit money, and those who do are not allowed to make financial decisions due to social traditions and beliefs.
- Medical Issues
Older women are more likely to have chronic health problems because symptoms or physical complaints often go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed as age-related changes. Their treatment-seeking behavior is also delayed due to women’s negligence, lack of awareness, financial support, and religious mindset.
It is also argued that economic security, good health, and adequate housing are all prerequisites for aging with dignity. However, the impact of gender differences and inequalities restricts women’s access to aging with dignity, causing them to suffer the most in old age. Women continue to be socially, economically, and medically marginalized due to their second-class status in society. Aside from the physical, mental, and social issues unique to older women, elder abuse is another challenge in today’s environment. Women are more vulnerable in this context due to their significant financial and social reliance on their families.
The common health issues found in elderly women are given below:
- Chronic medical conditions
According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 92% of seniors have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have two. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are among the most common and expensive chronic health conditions, accounting for nearly two-thirds of deaths each year. To help manage or prevent chronic diseases, the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends seeing a doctor for an annual checkup, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Obesity is becoming more of a problem among older adults, and engaging in these lifestyle behaviors can help reduce obesity and related chronic conditions.
- Mental health
According to the World Health Organization, more than one-fifth of adults over 60 have a mental disorder. Depression is a common mental disorder among seniors, affecting 7% of the elderly population. Unfortunately, this mental disorder is frequently misdiagnosed and mistreated. In the United States, older adults account for more than 18% of all suicide deaths. Because depression can be a complication of chronic health conditions, managing those conditions is beneficial. Furthermore, promoting a healthy lifestyle, such as improved living conditions and social support from family, friends, or support groups, can aid in treating depression.
- Physical harm
An older adult is admitted to the emergency room every 15 seconds due to a fall. Every 29 minutes, a senior dies due to a fall, making it the leading cause of injury among the elderly. Because aging causes bones to shrink and muscles to lose strength and flexibility, seniors are more prone to falling, bruising, and breaking a bone. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are two diseases that contribute to frailty. Falls, on the other hand, are not unavoidable. In many cases, they can be avoided with education, increased physical activity, and functional changes in the home.
- HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections
In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that 21 percent of AIDS cases in the United States occurred in seniors over the age of 50, and 37 percent of deaths occurred in people over the age of 55. While people’s sexual needs and abilities change as they age, sexual desire does not. Seniors are less likely to use condoms, which, combined with a weakened immune system, makes the elderly more vulnerable to HIV infection. Late HIV diagnosis is common among older adults because HIV symptoms are very similar to normal aging, making it more challenging to treat and prevent immune system damage.
- Malnutrition
Malnutrition in older adults over 65 is frequently underdiagnosed and can lead to other elderly health issues such as a weakened immune system and muscle weakness. Malnutrition can be caused by other health issues (for example, seniors who have dementia may forget to eat), depression, alcoholism, dietary restrictions, reduced social contact, and limited income. Committing to small dietary changes, such as increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables while decreasing consumption of saturated fat and salt can help with nutrition issues in the elderly. Food services are available to older adults who cannot afford food or have difficulty preparing meals.
- Sensory deficits
Sensory impairments, such as vision and hearing, are widespread in people over 70 in the United States. According to the CDC, one in every six older people has a visual impairment, and one out of every four has a hearing impairment. Fortunately, both of these problems are easily treated with aids such as glasses or hearing aids. New developments have enabled the assessment of hearing loss and the wearability of hearing aids.
Hints for happier life in second childhood
Increase physical activity
Exercise reduces your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers, and this powerful effect results in what experts call “morbidity compression.” It essentially means that you will be healthier in your later years than someone who spends the last five or ten years of their life battling chronic illness. “Exercise is also one of the most effective ways to help prevent dementia and other cognitive changes,” Hillis says. Once your doctor has cleared you, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.
Improve eating habits
Numerous diet plans are available to help you lose weight, but it’s not just about losing weight. Hillis recommends a Mediterranean-style diet to anyone who wants to avoid dementia and other health risks. It’s high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish while low in meat, sugar, and processed foods, all of which help your cells function better.
Get enough rest
Sleep deprivation affects your memory, emotions, weight, and even appearance. The older you get, the more difficult it is to fall and stay asleep, but you still require the same number of hours. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most sleep problems are caused by snoring, medication side effects, and underlying medical conditions such as acid reflux, depression, and prostate problems. Addressing those concerns with your doctor is an excellent place to start. You can also get better sleep by creating a relaxing environment, setting aside enough time for sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Final Words
Older people are valuable members of any society and, as such, have the right to live in dignity in old age. Furthermore, because the predicted increase in the number of older people in the coming decades is considered a valuable resource for all societies, older people have the skills, knowledge, and experience to continue to contribute effectively to society. The process of maintaining a positive attitude in old age is referred to as positive aging. It entails psychological and physical aspects and continuing to participate in society, and ensuring a stable source of income.
