Question 1

what are two ways that elderly folks could start to improve their physical health?

Accepted Answer

Eat health &amp; exercis: While geriatricians often think of elderly as different than middle-age adults, we still all benefit from same basic ideas, eg eat healthy, exercise regularly &amp; get enough (quality) sleep. Chat w/Family Doc or Geriatrician regularly to review medications &amp; dietary supplements. Don't forget to update immunizations eg new Prevnar-13 plus Pneumovax, TdaP &amp; Zostavax. And stay mentally active!

Question 2

are there different sorts of infections that elderly people may suffer for 2 wks without an acute decline in physical symptoms? if so, examples please

Accepted Answer

Yes : In general terms a cold or other virus might.  Also old people may present with significant infections without much in the way of physical symptoms.  Eg a pneumonia or a urinary infection they may just appear a bit more muddled/confused than usual or a little off their food etc.  also some infections like glandular fever have long incubation periods before they manifest.

Question 3

is an a1c of 8.9 dangerous for an elderly woman? her doctor wants her to get insulin shots monthly but my mother insists she will increase her physical activity before accepting the insulin.

Accepted Answer

Diabetes: Her diabetes is poorly controlled. Physical activity is not the primary way to bring it under control. Proper diet is crucial. She should consult a registered dietician for at least one visit. There are oral medications that could be prescribed in proper doses. Consulting a diabetologist or being seen in a diabetic clinic is recommended to ensure appropriate treatment and follow-up.

Question 4

how common is cvd in the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Extremely common: Cardiovascular disease, which means diseases of the heart and blood vessels, is the most frequent cause of death among elderly people.  This includes disease of the coronary arteries, heart failure, strokes, blood clots, etc.

Question 5

what is the best spa for elderly?

Accepted Answer

By spa do: You mean fancy bath tub. A walk in tub is best- if u mean a resort ck with travel agent.

Question 6

what is adequate peri care in elderly?

Accepted Answer

Perineum: Care of the perineal area should focus on maintaining a clean and dry skin with prompt attention to fecal and urine contamination. Usually soap and water should suffice for cleaning. Application of a barrier ontment is sometimes necessary in elders with incontinence. Incontinence pads or diapers are not a good answer.

Question 7

what changes happen during elderly age?

Accepted Answer

Deterioration : Vision and hearing deteriorate with age. Bones get weaker. Balance and gait (walking) can worsen. Kidneys might not work as well, the list is extensive! it is important to get regular followup with a doctor especially as you get older. Get your eyes/hearing checked. Make sure you get your immunizations and any age-appropriate cancer screenings. Take calcium and vitamin d to strength bones, etc.

Question 8

how resilient are elderly people after 90?

Accepted Answer

Depends: On alot of things. Whenever we offer a medical intervention, we review their functional and cognitive status to determine if there ould be a significant benefit for this individaul no matter how old. The very old are susceptible to delirum and a multitude of hospital acquired complications if not monitored closely. Any functional decline will take many times longer to improve then to lose, etc.

Question 9

what most influences the health of the elderly?

Accepted Answer

A few things: The ability to and attention to eating healthy, successful digestion, exercise, social activity and family.

Question 10

how would you  move an elderly person up in bed?

Accepted Answer

Carefully: Lower the head of the bed. Have the patient bend both knees to help you slide them up. Then finally raise the head of the bed up.

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Doctor answers about:

Physical needs for elderly

A member asked:

What are two ways that elderly folks could start to improve their physical health?

A member asked:

Are there different sorts of infections that elderly people may suffer for 2 wks without an acute decline in physical symptoms? if so, examples please

A member asked:

Is an a1c of 8.9 dangerous for an elderly woman? her doctor wants her to get insulin shots monthly but my mother insists she will increase her physical activity before accepting the insulin.

A member asked:

How common is cvd in the elderly?

A member asked:

What is the best spa for elderly?

A member asked:

What is adequate peri care in elderly?

A member asked:

What changes happen during elderly age?

A member asked:

How resilient are elderly people after 90?

A member asked:

What most influences the health of the elderly?

A member asked:

How would you move an elderly person up in bed?

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