Why Are Aging Adults More Prone to Illness?

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What Makes Seniors More Vulnerable to Illness in Toronto, ON

As the body ages, it becomes less efficient in terms of regulating temperature and fighting against infections and other illnesses. For this reason, seniors are more prone to injuries, accidents, and illnesses than others. Here are some of the reasons aging adults are more susceptible to illness than younger adults.

Changes in the Heart

Seniors are more likely to experience strokes, heart attacks, and coronary artery disease than younger adults because aging causes significant changes in the blood vessels and the heart. Over the years, fatty plaques build up in the artery walls, increasing the risk of developing heart disease. The plaque buildup can cause increased stiffness in the arteries, which is one of the most common changes seniors experience as they age. Although your loved one cannot control age-related changes such as the heart’s chambers increasing in size or changes in the heart’s electrical system that lead to an irregular heartbeat, he or she can adopt healthy lifestyle choices that decrease the risk of heart disease. 

For aging adults living with the challenges of heart disease, a professional caregiver can be a fantastic asset. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Toronto, ON, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.

Decrease in Bodily Fluids

Aging causes seniors to lose body water, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat strokes, kidney disease, and other illnesses. The loss of water can also be due to inadequate water intake. Aging slows down the ability to respond to thirst. If dehydration and other issues aren’t diagnosed and treated quickly, the consequences can be damaging or fatal in some cases. Encourage your loved one to drink more water and eat more water-based foods, such as grapes, lettuce, cucumbers, watermelon, and tomatoes. 

If your loved one needs help remembering to drink plenty of water and choose healthier foods, a professional caregiver can be an outstanding source of support. In Toronto, senior home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

Damage to Bone Tissue

As adults grow older, their bones lose calcium and other minerals, putting them at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and other bone issues. Due to the acceleration of bone density loss caused by aging, the bones are more fragile and at an increased risk of breaking. Older adults are more susceptible to low bone mass because they live less active lifestyles. The hormonal changes seniors experience could also trigger mineral loss in the bone tissue. To strengthen their bones and reduce the risk of bone illnesses, seniors need to exercise more, consume foods high in calcium and vitamin D, and get plenty of rest.

Increased Risk of Developing Skin Conditions

Skin repairs take longer for older adults compared to other age groups. As seniors age, their cells become more prone to trauma, tears, and infections. The way the body responds to this damage impacts the healing process. Due to slow healing cells throughout the body, seniors may be more prone to infections and pressure ulcers. Other issues seniors often experience are skin dryness and a breach in tissues. To prevent these issues from happening, seniors need to stay hydrated, keep the skin protected when in warm and cold temperatures, consume plenty of vitamins and fiber, and manage stress levels.

The natural effects of aging make seniors more vulnerable to illness, even if they live a healthy lifestyle. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of at-home care. Toronto Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (416) 488-8777.

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