How to know if it’s a sign of ageing or something more
As we get older, we expect some things to change. We expect to feel tired earlier, forget minor details now and then and experience a bit of pain in our joins. But how can we know if these really are signs of ageing or if they’re indicative of something more serious?
Needing to urinate often
Incontinence is something which affects one in five seniors, and while it’s a completely normal part of growing older, in some rare cases, an increased need to urinate could indicate something sinister. Frequently needing to pee could be an indicator of the onset of type 2 diabetes, and finding blood in your urine could be a sign of bladder cancer. If you’ve noticed anything out of the ordinary in the bathroom, simply book a visit with your doctor. Remember that with many illnesses and anomalies, the sooner it’s caught, the better.
Experiencing hearing difficulties
Experts believe our hearing begins to decline at 25 but that it is only noticeable from around the age of 60. Generally age-related hearing loss doesn’t impact too much on quality of life, but there are a few things you should keep an eye (or, more accurately, an ear) out for. Given that both ears decline at around the same pace, if you are experiencing a high degree of hearing loss in just one ear, this could indicate a blockage (if the loss is sudden) or a growth (if the loss is gradual). Blockages can be treated with antibiotics and growths can generally be removed without difficulty.
Suffering joint pain
Everyone’s muscles lose bulk with age, which means there’s more pressure placed on the joints. As a result, most over-60s will experience some sort of ache or pain around the joints. While this very common, pain and stiffness that is most present in the morning and lasts for over an hour could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but pain can be quite successfully managed with regular medication and physical therapy.
Entering a room only to forget why
Who hasn’t done this? We all find ourselves wondering why we went somewhere from time to time, but if this is happening more often than it used to, you might need to visit the GP. Memory begins to decline around the age of 30 so it’s quite normal to forget little things. However, if you find you are constantly struggling to remember recent memories (e.g. what you had for breakfast, what you just saw on television), you may be in the early stages of dementia.
If any of the above are a worry to you, don’t panic. More often than not these really are just signs of ageing. However, it’s important to be aware of all the possibilities – just in case.
Related links:
Dementia patients at risk of malnutrition
Signs your elderly loved one is suffering abuse or neglect
How to talk to loved ones about a serious illness diagnosis