Articles
Aging parents: 8 warning signs of health problems
Content
1. Are your parents able to take care of themselves?
2. Are your parents experiencing memory loss?
3. Are your parents safe in their home?
4. Are your parents safe on the road?
5. Have your parents lost weight?
6. Are your parents in good spirits?
7. Are your parents still social?
8. Are your parents able to get around?
Taking action
1. Are your parents able to take care of themselves?
Pay attention to your parents' appearance. Failure to keep up with daily routines — such as bathing and brushing teeth — could indicate dementia, depression or physical impairments.
Also pay attention to your parents' home. Are the lights working? Is the heat on? Is the yard overgrown?
Any changes in the way your parents do things around the house could provide clues to their health. For example, scorched pots could mean your parents are forgetting about food cooking on the stove. Issues such as failing to pay bills, having problems shopping and neglecting housework also might be signs of depression, dementia or other concerns.
