Many of the physiological processes otherwise taken for granted is affected to varying degrees with age. Swallowing is among one of these processes that can eventually be problematic or difficult for an older person. It may not affect every senior but difficulty with swallowing is among the more common age related problems. The medical term for any difficulty with swallowing is dysphagia. It should not be confused with another swallowing disorder which is known as odynophagia – painful swallowing.
In the elderly, swallowing problems greatly affects normal nutrition thereby leading to a host of complications which adversely affect one’s health. It should not be assumed that any difficulty swallowing with age is the norm – some of the causes can be very serious and even potentially fatal. In many cases with the elderly though, the difficulty is not actually with swallowing but proper chewing that ultimately causes swallowing problems. It is therefore imperative to differentiate with chewing and swallowing problems.
What is denture stomatitis?
Mild snoring in most cases is a disturbance to partners and family members of a person but if severe, it can be a serious condition that extends beyond just an irritation to others. Snoring becomes more common as a person gets older and the snoring senior is somewhat considered to be the norm. However, snoring in the elderly is associated with more serious complications ranging from depression, personality changes due to lack of sleep and it even increases the risk of certain conditions like a stroke.
The senior years should not restrict an able bodied person from undertaking activities such as driving a motor vehicle. Safe driving means being able to adequately utilize the senses, limbs and mental faculties, apart from the other factors like driving a roadworthy vehicle, not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and maintaining the speed limit. The elderly are sometimes at a disadvantage as the host of chronic diseases that are seen with advancing age coupled with the age-related changes in the body can undermine the safe operation of a motor vehicle. However, with a clean bill of health there is no reason why a senior cannot drive daily or even for long distances.