How to observe elderly people who are fragile can be observed from these symptoms. If you find that you have 3 or more symptoms, it means that you are in the aforementioned condition.
- Unintentional or unexplained weight loss of more than 4.5 kilograms or more than 5 percent of body weight in a 1-year period.
- Feeling tired and exhausted
- Muscle weakness
- Walk slower
- Reduced daily exertion
Meanwhile, frailty in the elderly not only affects the physical body but also affects other aspects such as:
- Mental health : cognitive impairment, depression, feeling hopeless, exhausted
- Physical aspect : Increased incidence of falls due to the elderly losing their ability to walk and balance, muscle weakness, and reduced functioning of various systems.
- Economically, the cost increases due to the increased severity of diseases, resulting in acute confusion from illness, the need for caregivers, long-term care, hospitalization, disability, and increased mortality.
How to prevent frailty in the elderly
Although physical decline is a normal part of aging, เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย we can prevent frailty in the elderly by doing the following:
1. Exercise regularly.
The elderly should exercise at least 2-3 times a week, for about 20-30 minutes each time, to maintain good health, improve balance, reduce slipping and falling accidents that cause bone fractures, and also reduce other serious complications.
2. Eat a balanced diet.
It should also contain an amount of protein that is sufficient for the body’s needs, or approximately 1.2-1.5 grams per day/1 kilogram of body weight. It is recommended to eat a variety of proteins, both animal and plant proteins, to maintain strong muscle mass, prevent muscle atrophy, and help repair worn out parts of the body.
3. Avoid taking medications that increase the risk of falls.
Falls are common in the elderly, which can cause broken bones and the inability to walk again, and the need to use a wheelchair for the rest of their lives. Therefore, the elderly should avoid taking unnecessary medications to reduce the risk of falls, such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications. If necessary, they should not take excessive amounts and should be under the care of a doctor.
4. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
Both of these behaviors will have long-term effects and are the cause of various illnesses, such as problems with the cardiovascular system, emphysema, and coronary artery disease. In addition, drinking alcoholic beverages can cause domestic violence. Therefore, the elderly should abstain from smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages for good health.
5. Take nutritional supplements
Added between meals, protein supplements help maintain muscle mass. Medications used to increase appetite may also be included. Nutritional assessment, using the Mini Nutritional Exam, can be used for additional nutritional assessment, including family mealtimes.
6. Take care of your oral health.
Brush and floss at least twice a day, limit sugary foods such as soda and candy, and have your teeth checked at least once a year.
7. Evaluate the environment of the house or residence in the area.
Include safety features to reduce the risk of falls, including grab bars in showers, showers with seats that adjust to counter height, wide door cabinets in contrasting colors, non-slip floors, walls and surfaces, slopes, adequate lighting and emergency call systems.
Importantly, caregivers or family members should have knowledge of frailty in the elderly and understand the changes in the body and mind of the elderly in order to be able to care for the elderly in a proper and safe manner sustainably.