Elderly women may be at higher risk for certain health complications. Some conditions are specific to their gender, while others can affect both men and women but are statistically higher among women. Many of these diseases can be caught early during annual checkups and treated accordingly, making it important for your senior loved one to schedule a checkup each year. Here is a list of a few conditions your loved one should get screened for during her checkup.
Osteoporosis
Women over 65 should be tested for osteoporosis each year. Approximately 80 percent of seniors living with osteoporosis are women, which puts elderly women at higher risk for developing the disease and having broken bones. This is because women have smaller bones compared to men, and estrogen levels decrease once a woman reaches menopause. However, if women over 50 consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D and exercise on a regular basis, osteoporosis can be prevented.
Managing the symptoms of osteoporosis can be challenging for senior women and their family caregivers. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Barrie, ON, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Breast Cancer
Women over 50 should have mammogram screenings at least once every 2 years, and during your loved one’s annual checkup, the doctor performs a clinical breast exam. With these two tests, breast cancer can be detected early on, and your loved one can receive customized treatment if necessary. Before the checkup, ask the doctor to teach your loved one how to perform a breast self-exam. After the age of 74, your loved one will need to consult with the doctor to determine if she should continue the mammogram screenings.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elder care. Barrie 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.
Cervical & Vaginal Cancer
These tests will need to be performed at each annual checkup if your loved one is at high risk for developing cervical or vaginal cancer. Risk factors for these cancers include smoking and weak immune systems. A Pap smear and a pelvic exam can help the doctor detect precancerous conditions during the early stages, often before your loved one has any symptoms. Having these exams done can also help the doctor detect ovarian tumors, uterine fibroids, and various infections common in senior women.
Diabetes
This disease affects senior women more than any other age group and gender, and it’s also a leading cause of death among this demographic. Most seniors living with diabetes are unaware of the condition, which is why these screenings are important. Social, cultural, and economic trends are what put senior women at higher risk for developing diabetes. Your loved one should live a healthy lifestyle to prevent diabetes. This includes eating nutritious meals, exercising on a regular basis, and avoiding stress and smoking.
In addition to annual health screenings, healthy lifestyle habits are essential for helping older adults maintain a high quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at 647-970-3803 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services