Did you know that Canada had nearly 10,000 centenarians according to the latest census? Although the majority of seniors consider themselves to be generally happy and in good health, the aging population also brings with it a new reality. With age, the risk factors for certain chronic diseases increase. Fortunately, there are solutions to deal with these various age-related diseases.
At Visavie, our team works diligently every day to provide the best resources available for seniors and their loved ones.
What is the role of nursing assistants for seniors?
With empathy, nursing assistants are always attentive to seniors and their needs. Through a range of comfort and hygiene care services, nursing assistants are able to support seniors and ensure their safety and well-being. Thanks to their skills and wonderful human qualities, these professional caregivers are able to closely monitor the changing needs of seniors over time. Their work is therefore very useful for the elderly person themselves, but also for their family, caregivers, and nursing staff.
When certain chronic illnesses appear with age, the valuable role of nursing assistants becomes clear. On a daily basis, their presence and involvement enable many seniors to continue living at home, even when faced with a new health problem, for example. Assistance with personal care, help with hygiene, meal preparation, and accompaniment during outings are just a few examples of the many tasks that caregivers perform on a daily basis to enable seniors to maintain maximum independence and quality of life.
The main diseases associated with aging
With the marked increase in life expectancy in recent years, certain risk factors associated with chronic health problems have also been noted. According to a forecast by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian seniors could represent nearly 25% of the entire population by 2040. Along with the changes considered normal with age, we are also seeing the emergence of certain diseases linked to aging.
Here are seven examples of health problems commonly encountered in older adults.
1. Cancer
Cancer unfortunately tops the list of major diseases associated with aging. Although no age group is spared from this condition, which is characterized by the uncontrolled multiplication of cells within our bodies, it is estimated that more than 90% of the population affected by cancer is over the age of 50. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that a series of damages to our DNA can occur naturally over time, predisposing us to certain cancers.
Among the most common types of cancer in seniors are:
- breast cancer;
- prostate cancer;
- cancer colorectal ;
- lung cancer;
- as well as various types of skin cancer.
Have you or an elderly loved one been diagnosed with cancer? Know that there are resources available to help you better cope with this disease.
Need help finding your way around? Don't hesitate to ask our Visavie advisors for assistance!
2. Diabetes
A common chronic disease among older adults, diabetes poses many daily challenges for seniors who have it: regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, constant management of their diet, taking medication, etc. When dealing with this disease, nursing assistants can play an important role in the lives of older adults with diabetes. Whether it's teaching good habits, preparing healthy and balanced meals, monitoring seniors' safety at home, or accompanying them to medical appointments, nursing assistants play a major role in keeping seniors with diabetes at home and maintaining their overall health.
Among the different types of diabetes, type II is the most common (the other two being type I diabetes and gestational diabetes, observed in some pregnant women). Although it is impossible to predict with certainty the onset of type 2 diabetes, which affects approximately 90% of diabetic patients, several risk factors are associated with the development of this disease. Among these is aging. It can therefore be said that the risk of diabetes is higher in older people. Recognizing this, it is essential to take the necessary preventive measures while using the various resources available to help seniors with diabetes in their daily lives.
3. Maladies cardiovasculaires
Cardiovascular disease, which encompasses several distinct health problems such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure, is one of the leading age-related diseases. Experts consider aging to be one of the risk factors associated with heart and vascular problems. These factors are compounded by other predisposing factors such as smoking, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and family history.
If you suffer from cardiovascular disease, you should know that home care services for seniors are available to help reduce the burden of daily tasks. Visavie's home support services can help seniors and their caregivers better cope with this diagnosis.
4. Ostéoporose
Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a loss of skeletal density, resulting in fragile bones. This leads to an increased risk of injury and fractures. More common in women, this metabolic disorder remains fairly common among the elderly population as a whole.
Do you suffer from osteoporosis? Why not consider personalized support from a caregiver at home? Whether it's for assistance during outings to prevent falls or to help with certain daily tasks, having a caregiver at home will certainly provide security and comfort for you and/or your elderly loved one.
5. Osteoarthritis
Within the broad category of musculoskeletal disorders, osteoarthritis is one of the most common. Commonly known as abnormal wear and tear on the joints due to repetitive stress and movement, osteoarthritis is actually a degenerative disease that affects older people.
Although it differs from other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, all of these joint disorders have one thing in common: the potential to reduce the independence of seniors who suffer from them.
Faced with this disease, which becomes more common with age, home care services are an ideal solution for making everyday life easier for seniors. From home modifications and assistance with daily tasks to accompanying seniors on walks, the role of caregivers is very varied when it comes to caring for an elderly person with osteoarthritis.
6. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Better known by its acronym COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is another example of a health condition often associated with aging. Although it can occur at any age, this respiratory disease is more common in seniors, as normal lung function generally tends to decline with age, making it a predisposing factor.
This chronic disease, which causes several symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing freely, is relatively common among the elderly population. It is estimated to affect approximately one-fifth of seniors across Canada.
7. Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other cognitive disorders related to aging
Mental disorders in general have no age limit and can occur at any time during our lives. It is true, however, that certain neurodegenerative diseases remain linked to aging. This is particularly the case for Alzheimer's disease and certain types of dementia, for 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 Visavie's nursing assistants offer specialized home care tailored to seniors suffering from Alzheimer's disease, for example? If you need help, don't hesitate to call on our caring team to quickly receive personalized support.
Contact us today to find a solution
Healthy aging: the importance of prevention
When it comes to these various chronic diseases, age is just one risk factor among many other predisposing factors related to lifestyle. Lack of physical activity, poor diet, obesity, and smoking are just a few examples.
In order to prevent age-related diseases, here are some recommendations to put into action:
- Adopt a healthy and balanced diet;
- Engage in regular physical activity;
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption;
- Stay away from tobacco and secondhand smoke;
- Ensure that regular follow-ups are carried out by your doctor and/or healthcare professional.
- Take screening tests within the recommended time frame;
- Prevent social isolation (family ties, activities, hobbies, presence at home, senior residences, etc.);
- Limit the risk of falls (home modifications, home care, assistance from a caregiver during outings, etc.).
Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance that ensures seniors maintain their independence and enjoy an optimal quality of life, regardless of their health condition.
