Though many health concerns affecting elderly people have similar statistics for both genders, there are some conditions senior women may be at higher risk for. However, scheduling an annual checkup can give your elderly loved one a greater chance of preventing certain issues or treating them if they’re caught early enough. Here’s a list of five things your loved one should consider getting screened for during her checkups.
1. Bone Mineral Density
More than 80 percent of seniors diagnosed with osteoporosis are women. This debilitating medical condition drastically increases the risk of bone fractures and continues to get worse if it’s not treated with medication. Screening for osteoporosis requires taking a few X-rays of your loved one’s spine, hips, and wrists.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
2. Breast Cancer
By the time a woman is 40, she should already be scheduling one mammogram and one clinical breast exam every year, and women should try to stick to this routine well into the senior years. These tests are especially important for women who have family histories of breast cancer or any other form of soft tissue cancer. If the doctor finds any abnormalities during these checkups, a breast ultrasound can determine if a biopsy is needed.
3. Colorectal Cancer
In 2015, there were approximately 11,000 senior women in Canada diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Doctors have a 90 percent success rate treating this disease when it’s caught in its earliest stages. However, this particular form of cancer generally produces no side effects until it has spread throughout the colon. Older women who don’t have family histories of colon cancer only need to have this test once every 10 years.
4. High Cholesterol
More than 25 percent of all deaths are the result of heart disease, and one of the best ways for your loved one to prevent this serious condition is to keep her cholesterol levels as low as possible. Luckily, doctors often test cholesterol levels as a matter of routine whenever blood is drawn. In addition to LDL (bad cholesterol) screening, female seniors should also schedule BMI tests to assess their risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Adopting a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of these and many other conditions elderly women face. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Mississauga, 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.
5. Melanoma
Skin cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women over the age of 30. Most specialists suggest older women schedule mole screenings at least twice a year if they have fair skin, blonde hair, or freckles. To prevent melanoma, your loved one can limit her skin’s exposure to the sun by wearing wide-brimmed hats and applying sunscreen daily. Adopting a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of these and many other conditions elderly women face. This may include dietary changes, increased exercise, and other considerations.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help managing medications, attending doctor’s appointments, or performing daily activities. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Mississauga 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. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 905-337-1200 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.