Disability is a broad term that encompasses impairments, activity limitations, & participation limitations. Frailty in the elderly may be caused by a mix of predisposing factors (early childhood development and way of life), followed by contributing factors in later adulthood such as lack of physical activity, chronic disease, and anorexia/malnutrition.
The following are the primary major risk factor for functional disability in the elderly:
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Depression
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Disease burden
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Increased and decreased body mass index
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Lower extremity functional limitations
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lLow frequency of social contacts
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Low level of physical activity
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No alcohol use compared to moderate use
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poor self-perceived health
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Smoking
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vision impairment.
Other risk factors for chronic diseases include high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids as well as glucose, low bone density, and alcohol and drug abuse.
Disability Prevention
There is compelling evidence that increasing physical activity, improving diet and nutrition, and influenza vaccinations and management programs benefit older people.
Exercise
Exercise has some advantages for frail older people. Adapted exercise improves strength, mobility, and balance, and it may lower the risk of falling. This is true even for elderly people who are frail. Physical activity may indirectly improve well-being, social activity, and mental health.
On at least two days per week, older adults should engage in activities that improve or retain muscle strength, balance, and flexibility.
Each week, older adults should aim for at least 150 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic, gradually increasing from current levels. Those who are already physically active can reap these benefits by engaging in 75 minutes of strenuous exercise or a mix of moderate and intense activity. Weight-bearing activities aid in bone health maintenance.
Nutrition
The elderly have more excess fat and less lean mass, resulting in decreased metabolism. As a result, calorie requirements are reduced, and the diet requires proportionately more protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients. Aim for minimum nutritional requirements, adequate dietary fiber, and specific disease risks such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
There are numerous risk factors that contribute to disability in the elderly. Elders should be provided with assistance with eating and drinking as per their requirements.
Disclaimer: Healthy Wrinkles does not recommend or offer any medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. The information provided here is only for the awareness of disease or ailment among individuals, caregivers, and the public. The advice of doctors, licensed professionals, or therapists who are knowledgeable about your particular situation should always be sought before using the information provided here. It should also not be used in the event of a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you want urgent assistance, contact a qualified medical professional. Additionally, the information represents the author's views and not those of Healthy Wrinkles.
