Why Knowledge of Anaemia Important for the Elderly?

The advancing years in life bring with it a horde of health ailments. One of the common diseases that the elderly fall prey to is Anaemia. The health condition is usually flagged by low red blood cell count and affects 10% of seniors over 65 years. Thus, to help the elderly combat the condition easily, a basic understanding of the disease is a must.

How to Detect Anaemia?

Indeed, Anaemia is an inevitable sign of ageing. But even today most people hardly have an understanding of the disease. Most of the time, it is seen that patients suffering from Anaemia have other health issues as well. These include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, high heart rate, headache, and lower blood pressure. Other than that, anaemia is also triggered when:

• the body does not produce enough red blood cells.
• bleeding or injury that makes you lose blood quickly.
• there is destruction of red blood cells in the body.

 What are the Causes of Anaemia?

There are many causes of Anaemia that are a result of a deficiency in the body. They include the followings.

1. Iron Deficiency:  It can cause inflammation in the stomach lining, blood loss, ulcers, and even cancer.
2. Vitamin Deficiency: Lower levels of Vitamin B12 and Folate also cause Anaemia in the body
3. Underlying health disorders like sickle anaemia, thalassemia, or hemolytic anaemia.
4. Chronic conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, lupus, and kidney diseases.
5. Blood loss, and ailments, such as haemorrhoids, ulcers, and gastritis.

Management and Treatment of Anaemia:

It is important to know if the condition is due to a poor diet or an underlying health issue. Managing Anaemia is easy with the following measures:

• Oral intake of iron supplements.
• A healthy diet along with Vitamin C-rich food that absorbs iron.
• Transfusions of red blood cells.
• Drinking water to stay hydrated.
• Exercising regularly.
• Washing hands to avoid infection.
• Taking good of yourself.

Why Older Adults are Prone to developing Anaemia?

Recent studies have found that people who are 60 years and above usually rely on a poor diet. This results in iron deficiency in the body which triggers Anaemia.

Older adults who are Anemic might also find themselves battling other chronic conditions also. These include:

• Confusion or depression.
• Body weakness that impacts mobility.
• Reduction in the overall life span.
• Heart problems.

 Anaemia in the elderly demographic is an extremely common problem today. The condition may give rise to poorer quality of life if not treated on time. Thus, older adults should stay agile, follow healthy food practices, and get regular check-ups to combat the disease.

We, at TriBeCa Care, care about you, and your family. Our Elder Care is categorically structured to provide the elderly with the support that they deserve. If you have any further query then feel free to reach us. Call us at + 913366064208 or request a callback. Email us at enquiry@tribecacare.com