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
5. Have your parents lost weight?
Losing weight without trying could be a sign that something's wrong. Weight loss could be related to many factors, including:
- Difficulty cooking. Your parents might be having difficulty finding the energy to cook, grasping the necessary tools, or reading labels or directions on food products.
- Loss of taste or smell. Your parents might not be interested in eating if food doesn't taste or smell as good as it used to.
- Social issues. Your parents might have difficulty shopping or have financial concerns that limit buying groceries.
- Underlying conditions. Sometimes weight loss indicates a serious underlying condition, such as malnutrition, dementia, depression or cancer.
