One of the most severe respiratory diseases, one that primarily affects people between the age of 65 and 74, is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to Statistics Canada there are over 1.5 million Canadians who have been diagnosed with COPD.
The Importance of Immunizations for Canada’s Seniors
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly encourage older adults to be immunized in order to help reduce the risk of getting (and spreading) serious, often life-threatening disease. Frequency of immunization depends on the disease and the individual.
Dysphagia in Seniors
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common age-related problem. According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the prevalence of dysphagia in persons 50 years of age and older is between 15-22%.
Social Wellness in Canada’s Seniors
As we age, it’s important to maintain physical well-being, but often times, psychological, emotional, and social health can fall by the wayside due to increased isolation. Scientific and health communities have, for many years, viewed isolation as detrimental to the overall wellbeing of older adults.
HIV in Canada’s Senior Population
It is not uncommon to think of HIV as something that primarily affects those that are younger – and that, consequently, it is of less concern as we age. The reality is that anyone can get HIV, regardless of age.
Food Allergies: Detection and Management for Seniors
It is estimated that 5-10% of the elderly population is faced with food allergies – but that the prevalence is underestimated and undertreated in seniors. Reactions from a food allergy can be very serious, and contact with even trace amounts of offensive foods can be life-threatening.
Occupational Therapy for Canada’s Seniors and Elders
The benefits of occupational therapy for Canada’s seniors: occupational therapy is a method of helping people lead independent and productive lives by allowing them to recover or develop skills needed to complete daily tasks. It has been known to be quite beneficial for seniors who feel as if they are no longer able to meet day-to-day challenges, both physically and mentally.
Identifying and Preventing Alcohol Abuse in Canada’s Seniors
The importance of identifying and preventing alcohol abuse in Canada’s seniors: According to the NCADD, between 6 and 11 percent of elderly hospital admissions are due to alcohol or drug related problems.
Canada’s Seniors and Wandering
Due to Canada’s growing number of seniors, many of whom are afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia, wandering is increasing. Even in familiar places, a person with Alzheimer’s may not remember his or her name or address, and can become disoriented. Wandering with dementia is dangerous, but there are strategies and services to help prevent it.
Pneumonia in Canada’s Seniors: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Pneumonia is a major cause of mortality among seniors 65 and older. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more people die each year from pneumonia than from car accidents. There are several primary reasons why seniors are more susceptible to contracting pneumonia.