Age-related diseases: resources at your fingertips

Did you know that, according to the latest census, there are almost 10,000 centenarians in Canada? While the majority of seniors consider themselves, on the whole, quite happy and healthy, the fact remains that an aging population also brings with it a new reality. As weage, risk factors for certain chronic diseases increase. Fortunately, there are solutions to deal with the various illnesses associated with aging.

At Visavie, our team works with dedication, day after day, to deploy the best resources available for seniors and their loved ones.

What role do caregivers play for the elderly?

With empathy, thecaregiver is always attentive to the needs of the elderly. Through a series of comfort care and hygiene aids, caregivers are able toaccompany the elderly to ensure their safety and well-being. Thanks to their skills and human qualities, these professional caregivers are able to keep pace with thechanging needs of the elderly over time. Their work is therefore very useful not only for the elderly themselves, but also for their families and caregivers, as well as for the nursing staff.

When certain chronic illnesses appear withage, the invaluable role of caregivers comes into its own. On a day-to-day basis, their presence and involvement enable many seniors to continue living at home, despite the onset of a new health problem, for example. Assistance with personal care, help withhygiene, meal preparation, accompaniment when out and about – these are just a few examples of the many tasks that caregivers carry out on a daily basis to help seniors maintain maximumautonomy and quality of life.

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The main diseases associated with aging

With the marked increase inlife expectancy in recent years, we are also seeing the presence of certain risk factors associated with chronic health problems. According to a forecast by thePublic Health Agency of CanadaCanadian seniors could represent nearly 25% of the entire population by 2040. Alongside the normal changes associated withage, we can also observe the appearance of certain age-related diseases.

By way of example, here are 7 health problems commonly encountered by the elderly.

1. Cancer

Cancer unfortunately tops the list of the main diseases associated with aging. Although no age group is spared from this health condition characterized by a disruption of the cells multiplying inside our bodies, it is estimated that over 90% of the population affected by cancer is over 50. This is no doubt due to the fact that a series of damages to our DNA may occur naturally over time, predisposing us to certain cancers.

The most common types of cancer among seniors include :

• breast cancer ;
• prostate cancer;
• colorectal cancer ;
• LUNG CANCER;
• as well as various skin cancers.

Have you or an elderly loved one been diagnosed with cancer? There are resources available to help you cope.

Need help finding your way around? Don’t hesitate to ask our Visavie advisors for help !

2. Diabetes

A common chronic disease among the elderly, diabetes poses a number of daily challenges for seniors: regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, constant management of diet, taking medication, and so on. Faced with this disease, thecaregiver can play an important role in the lives of diabetic seniors. Whether it’steaching good habits, preparing healthy, well-balanced meals, keeping an eye on the home to ensure seniors’ safety , oraccompanying them to medical appointments, caregivers play a major role in maintaining the home and overall health of seniors with diabetes.

Of the different types of diabetes, type II is the most frequently encountered (the other two being type I diabetes and gestational diabetes, observed in certain pregnant women). Although it is impossible to predict with certainty the onset of type 2 diabetes, which affects around 90% of diabetic patients, several risk factors are associated with the development of this disease. Aging is one of them. It can therefore be said that the risk of diabetes is greater in the elderly. Recognizing this, it is essential to take preventive action, while making use of the various resources available to help diabetic seniors in their daily lives.

3. Cardiovascular disease

Comprising a number of distinct health problems, such ashypertension,atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease andheart failure, cardiovascular disease is one of the major age-related illnesses. Experts consider that aging is one of the risk factors associated with heart and vascular problems. These are added to other predisposing factors such as smoking, lack of physical activity, poor diet and family history.

If you suffer from cardiovascular disease, home care for seniors is available to reduce the burden of daily tasks. Visit home support services can help seniors and their caregivers live better with this diagnosis.

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4. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease defined by a loss of skeletal density, leading to bone fragility. The result is an increased risk of injury and fracture. More frequently affecting women, this metabolic problem remains fairly common among the elderly population as a whole.

Do you suffer fromosteoporosis? Why not consider personalized support of a home care assistant? Whether it’s to accompany you on outings to prevent falls, or to help you with everyday tasks, the presence of a caregiver at home is sure to provide security and comfort, for you and/or your elderly loved one.

5. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases. Commonly known as abnormal wear and tear of the joints following repetitive stress and movement,osteoarthritis is in fact a degenerative disease affecting the elderly.

Although arthritis can be distinguished from other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis orpsoriatic arthritis, the fact remains that all these joint disorders have one thing in common: the potential to reduce theindependence of seniors who suffer from them.

Faced with this disease, which becomes more common with ageing, the home help services are the ideal solution to make everyday life easier for the elderly. From arranging the home, to assisting with daily tasks, to accompanying people on walks, the role of homecare workers is very varied when it comes to caring for an elderly person withosteoarthritis problems.

6. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Better known by its acronym COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is another example of a health disorder often associated with aging. Although it can be encountered at any age, this respiratory disease is more common in the elderly, since normal lung function tends to decline withage, becoming a predisposing factor.

This chronic disease, causing a number of symptoms such as coughing,shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing freely, is actually relatively common among the elderly population. It is estimated to affect around ⅕ of seniors across Canada.

7. Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other age-related cognitive disorders

Mental disorders in general have no age and can occur at any time in our lives. It is true, however, that some neurodegenerative diseases remain linked to aging. This is particularly true ofAlzheimer ‘s disease and certain types of dementiafor which age is recognized as the main risk factor. In addition to these diseases,anxiety, depression and mood disorders are part of the daily reality for many seniors and their immediate families.

Did you know that the caregivers at Visavie offer specialized home carefor seniors suffering from Alzheimer‘s disease, for example? So if you’re ever in need, don’t hesitate to call on our team of caring professionals, so you can quickly benefit from tailor-made support.

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Healthy aging: the importance of prevention

When it comes to these various chronic diseases,age is just one risk factor in a series of other lifestyle-related predisposing factors. Lack of physical activity, poor diet, obesity and smoking are just a few examples.

To help prevent age-related diseases, here are a few recommendations to put into action:

1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet;
2. Regular physical activity;
3. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption;
4. Stay away from tobacco and second-hand smoke;
5. Ensure regular follow-ups with your doctor and/or treating professional;
6. Perform screening tests within the recommended timeframe;
7. Prevent social isolation (family ties, activities, leisure activities, presence at home, seniors’ residences, etc.);
8. Reduce the risk of falls (home improvements, home care, accompaniment by a caregiver during outings, etc.).

Ultimately, the aim is to strike a balance that ensures the maintenance ofautonomy and optimal quality of life for seniors. Regardless of health condition.

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If you, or an elderly loved one, are facing the onset of certain age-related illnesses, our team of Visaviehousing advisors is available 24/7 to answer all your questions and provide you with compassionate support.

With the right advice, and the daily involvement of a caregiver in the home, it’s possible to aim for maximum well-being for the elderly and their loved ones.

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