As we age, our bodies go through several changes, often leading to the development of chronic conditions. Chronic conditions are long-lasting medical conditions that often require continuous medical treatment and management and, in some cases, can require hospice care.
It’s not uncommon for an aging parent to develop 1 or more chronic conditions, such as arthritis and high blood pressure. No one expects you to become an expert on these conditions, but having a good understanding of the chronic conditions affecting your aging parent can help you care for them.
Although chronic conditions can be challenging to deal with and may require professional assistance, there are ways to help our aging parents cope with them. This article briefly covers some common chronic conditions that can affect seniors and tips to help them manage these conditions.
Understanding Chronic Conditions
A chronic condition is a long-term health condition that persists for more than 1 year. These conditions can range from heart disease to diabetes, arthritis, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, and other health conditions. Chronic conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, often leading to disability, impaired mobility, chronic pain, or difficulty managing day-to-day activities.
The causes of chronic conditions can vary depending on the condition in question. For instance, chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure are closely linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Other chronic conditions such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia may be the result of genetic predisposition, infection, or injury.
Helping Aging Parents
A chronic condition can be debilitating, even for a young person. An older adult, such as an aging parent who is already possibly having trouble with their day-to-day activities, may need extra assistance if they develop a chronic condition. Depending on the condition, they may even require specialized care.
Common Chronic Conditions
Let’s review a few common chronic conditions that may affect your aging parents.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and it often worsens with age. Encourage your parent to stay active and engage in low-impact exercises, such as yoga or swimming. Also, consider purchasing items to help with mobility, like a walker or cane. A healthy diet, weight management, and rest are also important lifestyle factors in managing arthritis.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed through medication, a healthy diet, exercise, and regular blood sugar monitoring. However, someone with type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections every day.
Encourage your parent to maintain a healthy diet with planned meals and avoid sugary foods. Plus, regular exercise boosts insulin sensitivity and helps prevent complications by better blood sugar regulation.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a chronic condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Encourage your parent to reduce their sodium intake, increase their potassium intake, maintain a healthy diet, and get regular exercise. Also, remind them to take their medication regularly and as prescribed by their doctor.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a chronic condition that affects memory and cognitive function. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are often ways to help manage symptoms.
Encourage your parent to engage in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles and memory games. Furthermore, sociable environments and engagement with loved ones may help slow the progression of the disease.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a chronic condition that affects breathing, making it challenging to get enough oxygen. There are several therapies available to manage COPD symptoms, including medications and oxygen therapy.
Encourage your parent to avoid triggers and irritants, such as tobacco smoke, dust, and air pollution. Additionally, ensure that your parent’s home is well-ventilated and free from allergens.
Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells in the body. It can affect any part of the body and has the potential to invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. There are various types of cancer, some more treatable than others. The stage it’s diagnosed in often has a large role in the success of the treatment—the earlier it’s spotted, the better.
None of us wants to think about the possibility of cancer, although many of us know someone who has been affected by this terrible disease. There are many supports out there for individuals and their families dealing with a late-stage cancer diagnosis, hospice being one example of compassionate care.
Seek Out the Proper Support
As our parents age, it is crucial to understand and manage their chronic conditions. By educating and supporting them, we can help maintain their quality of life and improve their overall health. It’s essential to seek the help of medical professionals and use the health resources available to help manage your aging parent’s chronic conditions if they become serious.
Don’t hesitate to contact our compassionate and knowledgeable team at Del Corazon Hospice if you have questions about how you can support your aging parents in the face of a chronic condition. We’re also happy to help you review the support options our caregivers can provide.