Especially for older people, kidney health is an integral part of general health. As people get older, their bodies change in many ways, and the kidneys, which clear waste and keep the body’s fluid balance in check, can become more likely to break down. To have a better quality of life in their later years, adults need to know how important it is to keep their kidneys healthy and how to spot common kidney problems. With the help of loved ones and the veterans care at home team, seniors get what they need and thrive.
Understanding the Importance of Kidney Health
The kidneys are essential for keeping the balance inside the body. They remove waste and extra fluid from the blood, help control blood pressure, keep chemicals in harmony, and help make red blood cells. But as people get older, their kidneys may not work as well, making them more likely to have kidney problems.
Common Kidney Issues That Come With Age
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is when the kidneys slowly lose their ability to work. Due to changes in the kidneys’ shape and function that come with aging, seniors are more likely to get CKD. High blood pressure, diabetes, and a history of kidney problems are all things that can make the risk even higher.
Kidney stones are another issue affecting seniors. The stones are formed from hard mineral and salt deposits, causing a lot of pain and discomfort. Also causing pain and discomfort is the risk of a urinary tract infection. Seniors often get UTIs, leading to kidney diseases if they are not treated quickly. Changes in the urinary stream that come with aging, weaker immune systems, and underlying health problems increase the risk. The elder care team can monitor both issues to ensure seniors get the help they need.
Lastly, Polycystic Kidney Disease is passed down through generations, causing cysts to form in the kidneys, making them less effective and leading to other problems.
Making the Most of Kidney Health with Veterans Care at Home Help
With the help of loved ones and the veterans care at home team, seniors can improve their kidney health and deal with problems connected to their kidneys by taking the following steps:
Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins can help seniors keep a healthy weight and blood pressure. Limiting the amount of salt seniors eat and drink is also essential.
Regular Exercise: Regular physical exercise can help control blood pressure, improve heart health, and help the kidneys work better as a whole.
Medication Management: Seniors with long-term conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure should take their medications exactly as recommended and get regular checkups to check their kidney function. Medication management is another area where the elder care team can help.
Ultimately, adults need to take care of their kidneys to be healthy and live longer. Seniors can improve their quality of life and lessen the effects of kidney problems by staying aware, making healthy choices, and getting medical advice. In addition, a strong support system, including loved ones and veterans care at home, is key.
Sources: https://www.kidney.org/news/monthly/wkd_aging
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291282/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease
If you or an aging loved one are considering Veterans Care at Home Services in Knox County TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (865) 539-5224
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Knoxville, Old City, Fort Sanders, Old Sevier, Edgewood, North Knoxville, Forest Heights, Sequoyah Hills, Knox County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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