Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Possible Solutions Discussed

Irrespective of whether obesity is fatal or life-threatening the common denominator is that there is a problem. Old age is a blessing and we must protect it at all cost

Obesity is a health condition that can affect any body at any given time or stage of an individual’s life. There are different kind of health conditions which are associated with obesity and weight gain. World health organization has classified these conditions into two categories which include:

• Nonfatal conditions
• Life-threatening conditions

For the purpose of this article we will be discussing the first condition and as we progress we will be looking into the second condition in our next article on this link. I would want therefore invite you to stay on the link to get the full information on both conditions.

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Nonfatal Health Problems Related to Obesity

Incapacitating conditions like those associated with respiratory, chronic musculoskeletal and skin problems are categorized as nonfatal but like any other health condition, what is seen to be nonfatal could turn to be life-threatening along the way depending on various circumstances. But for the purpose of our discussion in this article we will look at these conditions which are intensified by obesity as follows.

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Respiratory problems

When a patient is obese there is the tendency of their lungs shrinking in size. Such patients will experience difficulties in breathing due to the increased weight on their chest wall and the difficulties in lifting their heavy chest wall. Generally obesity is associated with inducement of the respiratory mechanical impairment occasionally combined with abnormalities in gas exchange. However looking at the obese elderly these changes are emphasized by changes in the lung structure and function related with normal aging. These changes in the lungs include:

• Reduced alveolar surface available for gas exchange
• Enlarged chest wall stiffness
• Stiffening of the elastin and the collagen tissue supporting the lungs

The mass stuffing of the ventilator system induced by obesity alters the static balance within the respiratory system. Obese aging patients normally have a reduced respiratory efficiency which can reach the point of respiratory inadequacy in the presence of cardiovascular inadequacy of various degrees. The natural decrease in respiratory function in aging patients exacerbates the decrease caused by obesity which may in turn lead to an increase in the sleep apnea syndrome which in these patients is related to a greater risk of developing hallucinatory and cognitive disorders caused by hypoxia during sleep.

Endurance exercise when combined with a dietary weight loss program increases utmost oxygen consumption. Diet in combination with opposition and patience exercises improves peak oxygen consumption as well. Health care providers may advice patients with respiratory complications to practice a diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing to help strengthen respiratory muscles.

Breathing exercises, as well as good posture, can help patients to exhale and inhale fully. Pursed lip breathing may also be helpful for patients who are short of breath or breathless. Pursed breathing includes pursing the lips as if blowing a whistle; using diaphragmatic breathing out through pursed lips without any force; and remembering to relax the upper chest, arms shoulders, and arms while breathing out.

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Arthritis and osteoarthritis

Primarily arthritis is the main cause of disability in aging adults. A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with the risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (OA) in aging people. The prevalence of OA at this age may reflect bodily changes as a result of a lifetime of being overweight which results in strain on weight-bearing joints.

Obesity or overweight raises the load placed on joints, especially at the knee and hip joints. Breakdown in cartilage, resulting from the increased weight on joints result in pain and further functional disability People with arthritis are particularly vulnerable to the stress-pain-depression cycle in which the pain and stiffness caused by the disease leads to reduced mobility and so increases stress, pain, and depression and eventually decreasing the quality of life.

• The objective of managing arthritis is to maintain the maximum use and function of the joint and the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• The primary key to attaining this objective is engaging in physical activities.
• However, many people with OA and other joint diseases believe that exercise will cause their arthritis to flare up and increase the pain. This is a not true and the health care provide will be able to dispel it.
• Stretching exercises of all muscle groups should be done regularly as well as daily active range of motion for all joints.
• Isotonic exercises, which move the joint in an arc, are also helpful.
• Aquatic exercise and walking are usually well tolerated by aging people with mild to moderate lower extremity OA.
• Heat is also helpful in managing arthritis because it reduces stiffness and makes exercise easier.
• Rest periods between activities help to control the fatigue of arthritis, which is compounded by obesity.

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Skin conditions

Older adults who are obese and have skin problems face additional complications because their skin naturally loses about 20% of its dermal thickness with age. This combination of older age, fragile skin, and obesity increases the risk for pressure sores. The first step in addressing skin problems is to:

• Conduct a skin assessment of obese patients.
• The exact identity and degree of skin problems will determine the intervention.
• Older women, urinary incontinence from a large, heavy abdomen causing the valve on the bladder to weaken may result in the leaking of urine when coughing or sneezing.

Finally it is such a blessing to live long and this blessing must not be seen as a problem to the society because of being obese. Dr. Dalal Akoury founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility in which all matters relating to obesity, weight gain and lose and matter relating to addiction are addressed. we all ore our senior citizens the duty of care despite what their conditions may be and that is why doctor Dalal Akoury together with her team of experts are offering exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to everyone young or old, visiting this facility is going to be an experience that will lead you to full recovery in the most dignified way.

Consequences of Obesity in Aging Adults – Possible Solutions Discussed