Top 5 Health Concerns for Seniors and How Hospice and Palliative Care Can Help

As people age, they become more susceptible to chronic diseases, which are long-lasting and often incurable conditions that affect their physical and mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability among older adults in the US, accounting for 75% of their healthcare spending. Some of the most common chronic diseases among seniors are heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, dementia, and cancer.

Chronic diseases can have a significant impact on the quality of life and well-being of seniors, as they may experience pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, isolation, and loss of independence. Moreover, chronic diseases can also affect the family members and caregivers of seniors, who may face emotional, financial, and physical challenges.

Fortunately, there is a way to help seniors with chronic diseases live better and die with dignity: hospice and palliative care. Hospice and palliative care are specialized types of medical care that focus on improving the quality of life and relieving the suffering of people with serious illnesses, regardless of their prognosis or treatment goals.

Hospice and palliative care can provide a range of services for seniors and their families, such as:

• Symptom management: Hospice and palliative care can help seniors control their pain and other physical symptoms, such as nausea, shortness of breath, or constipation, using medications, therapies, or devices.
• Emotional support: Hospice and palliative care can help seniors cope with their emotions, such as fear, anger, sadness, or guilt, using counseling, support groups, or relaxation techniques.
• Spiritual care: Hospice and palliative care can help seniors find meaning and purpose in their lives, regardless of their religious or cultural background, using chaplains, rituals, or meditation.
• End-of-life planning: Hospice and palliative care can help seniors express their wishes and preferences for their end-of-life care, such as where they want to die, who they want to be with, or what treatments they want to receive or refuse, using advance directives, living wills, or health care proxies.

In this article, we will discuss seniors’ top 5 health concerns and how hospice and palliative care can help them. We will also provide some tips and resources for seniors and their families to find and access hospice and palliative care services in their area.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a broad term that refers to any condition that affects the heart or blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, or valve disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among older adults in the US, accounting for about one in every four deaths.

Some of the common symptoms of heart disease are:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Fatigue or weakness

Some of the risk factors for heart disease are:

• Age: The risk of heart disease increases as the heart and blood vessels become less flexible and more prone to damage.
• Family history: The risk of heart disease is higher if a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has had heart disease, especially at a young age.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the lining of the blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and reduces oxygen delivery to the heart.
• High blood pressure: High blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
• High cholesterol: High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits in the blood vessels, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the heart.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels that control the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease and its complications.
• Obesity: Obesity can increase the workload of the heart and blood vessels, as well as the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Physical inactivity: Physical inactivity can weaken the heart and blood vessels, as well as increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Stress: Stress can trigger the release of hormones that raise blood pressure and heart rate and cause inflammation and oxidative stress that damage the heart and blood vessels.

Some of the prevention strategies for heart disease are:

• Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
• Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes with medications, diet, and lifestyle changes
• Maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Reducing stress with relaxation techniques, hobbies, or social support
• Getting regular check-ups and screenings for heart disease and its risk factors
• Taking aspirin or other blood thinners as prescribed by a doctor to prevent blood clots
• Following a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and added sugar and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats
• Limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men

Hospice and palliative care can help seniors with heart disease manage their symptoms, cope with their emotions, and plan for their end-of-life care. Hospice and palliative care can provide:

• Medications, oxygen, or devices to relieve chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling
• Counseling, support groups, or spiritual care to address fear, anxiety, depression, or grief
• Education, guidance, or coordination to help seniors and their families understand their condition, treatment options, and prognosis
• Advance care planning, palliative sedation, or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments to honor seniors’ wishes and preferences for their end-of-life care

Hospice and palliative care can also help seniors with heart disease improve their quality of life, as studies have shown that hospice and palliative care can reduce hospitalizations, emergency visits, and intensive care unit admissions, as well as increase patient satisfaction and family well-being.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term that refers to any condition that causes inflammation, pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or lupus. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability among older adults in the US, affecting about 50% of them.

Some of the common symptoms of arthritis are:

• Joint pain or tenderness
• Joint swelling or redness
• Joint stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Difficulty moving or performing daily activities
• Cracking or grinding sounds in the joints

Some of the risk factors for arthritis are:

• Age: The risk of arthritis increases with age, as the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away or the immune system becomes less effective.
• Genetics: The risk of arthritis is higher if a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has had arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
• Gender: The risk of arthritis is higher for women than men, especially for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia.
• Weight: The risk of arthritis is higher for people who are overweight or obese, as the extra weight puts more pressure on the joints, especially the knees, hips, and spine.
• Injury: The risk of arthritis is higher for people with a previous joint injury or infection, as the damage or inflammation can trigger or worsen arthritis.
• Occupation: The risk of arthritis is higher for people who have jobs that involve repetitive or strenuous movements of the joints, such as construction, farming, or typing.
• Lifestyle: The risk of arthritis is higher for people who smoke, drink alcohol excessively, or have a poor diet, as these factors can increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Some of the treatment options for arthritis are:

• Medications: Medications, such as analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or antibiotics, can help reduce pain, inflammation, or infection in the joints
• Supplements: Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, or vitamin D can help improve joint health or function.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the joints, improve joint flexibility and mobility, and prevent further joint damage using exercises, stretches, or devices.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help seniors adapt to their daily activities and environment and reduce joint stress and pain using assistive devices, adaptive equipment, or ergonomic modifications.
• Surgery: Surgery can help repair or replace damaged joints, such as arthroscopy, joint fusion, or joint replacement.

Hospice and palliative care can help seniors with arthritis reduce their pain, improve their mobility, and enhance their quality of life. Hospice and palliative care can provide:

• Medications, injections, or patches to relieve joint pain or inflammation
• Therapies, massages, or acupuncture to relax the muscles and nerves around the joints
• Heat, cold, or electrical stimulation to soothe the joints
• Education, guidance, or coordination to help seniors and their families understand their condition, treatment options, and prognosis
• Counseling, support groups, or spiritual care to address depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness
• Advance care planning, palliative sedation, or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments to honor seniors’ wishes and preferences for their end-of-life care

Hospice and palliative care can also help seniors with arthritis improve their quality of life, as studies have shown that hospice and palliative care can increase patient satisfaction, family well-being, and quality of death.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes glucose, a type of sugar that is the cells’ primary energy source. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter the cells, or when the cells do not respond well to insulin, resulting in high blood glucose levels. Diabetes can be classified into two main types: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes is more common and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, usually diagnosed in adulthood and associated with obesity, physical inactivity, or family history.

Some of the common symptoms of diabetes are:

• Increased thirst or urination
• Increased hunger or weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Blurred vision or eye problems
• Slow healing of wounds or infections
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Some of the complications of diabetes are:

• Cardiovascular disease: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease.
• Kidney disease: Diabetes can damage the kidneys and cause them to lose their ability to filter waste and fluid from the blood, leading to kidney failure or dialysis.
• Nerve damage: Diabetes can damage the nerves and cause them to lose their ability to transmit signals, leading to neuropathy, which can affect the sensation, movement, or function of various body parts, such as the feet, legs, hands, or digestive system.
• Eye damage: Diabetes can damage the eyes and cause them to lose their ability to see clearly, leading to retinopathy, which can affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, or glaucoma, which can affect the optic nerve, the nerve that connects the eye to the brain.
• Foot problems: Diabetes can damage the feet and cause them to lose their ability to heal, leading to foot ulcers, infections, or amputations.
• Skin problems: Diabetes can damage the skin and cause it to lose its ability to protect itself, leading to skin infections, rashes, or wounds.

Hospice and palliative care can help seniors with diabetes control their blood sugar, prevent infections, and deal with their psychological distress. Hospice and palliative care can provide:

• Medications, insulin, or devices to regulate blood glucose levels
• Wound care, antibiotics, or dressings to prevent or treat infections
• Therapies, exercises, or devices to improve circulation, sensation, or mobility
• Education, guidance, or coordination to help seniors and their families understand their condition, treatment options, and prognosis
• Counseling, support groups, or spiritual care to address fear, anxiety, depression, or guilt
• Advance care planning, palliative sedation, or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments to honor seniors’ wishes and preferences for their end-of-life care

Dementia

Dementia is a general term that refers to any condition that causes a progressive decline in cognitive functions, such as memory, thinking, reasoning, or language. Dementia can be caused by various diseases or injuries that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, or traumatic brain injury. Dementia is the sixth leading cause of death among older adults in the US, affecting about 14% of them.

Some of the common symptoms of dementia are:

• Memory loss or confusion
• Difficulty finding words or following conversations
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks or solving problems
• Difficulty recognizing faces or places
• Changes in personality or behavior
• Mood swings or emotional distress
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Agitation or aggression

Some of the risk factors for dementia are:

• Age: The risk of dementia increases as the brain cells and connections deteriorate or die over time.
• Genetics: The risk of dementia is higher if a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has had dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease or frontotemporal dementia.
• Head injury: The risk of dementia is higher for people who have had a severe or repeated head injury, as the trauma can damage the brain tissue or blood vessels.
• Cardiovascular disease: The risk of dementia is higher for people who have had a stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease, as these conditions can impair the blood flow to the brain or cause brain damage.
• Diabetes: The risk of dementia is higher for people who have diabetes, as high blood glucose levels can damage the brain cells or blood vessels.
• Smoking: The risk of dementia is higher for people who smoke, as smoking can increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, as well as the risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke.
• Alcohol: The risk of dementia is higher for people who drink alcohol excessively, as alcohol can interfere with brain function or cause brain damage.
• Depression: The risk of dementia is higher for people who have depression, as depression can affect the brain chemistry or structure, as well as cognitive performance or social engagement.

Some of the treatment options for dementia are:

• Medications: Medications can help slow down the progression of dementia or improve some of the symptoms, such as memory loss, confusion, agitation, or depression, using cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, or antidepressants.
• Therapies: Therapies can help stimulate the brain or enhance the quality of life of people with dementia, such as cognitive stimulation, reminiscence, music, art, or animal therapy.
• Care: Care can help provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for people with dementia, such as home care, daycare, residential care, or hospice care.

Hospice and palliative care can help seniors with dementia and their caregivers cope with the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes. Hospice and palliative care can provide:

• Medications, sedatives, or antipsychotics to relieve pain, agitation, or psychosis
• Therapies, activities, or devices to maintain or improve cognition, communication, or function
• Education, guidance, or coordination to help seniors and their families understand their condition, treatment options, and prognosis
• Counseling, support groups, or spiritual care to address grief, guilt, anger, or loneliness
• Advance care planning, palliative sedation, or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments to honor seniors’ wishes and preferences for their end-of-life care

Hospice and palliative care can also help seniors with dementia improve their quality of life, as studies have shown that hospice and palliative care can reduce hospitalizations, emergency visits, and intensive care unit admissions, as well as increase patient satisfaction and family well-being.

Cancer

Cancer is a general term that refers to any condition that causes abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the body, forming tumors or spreading to other organs. Cancer can affect any body part, including the breast, lung, colon, prostate, or skin. Cancer is the second leading cause of death among older adults in the US, affecting about 40% of them.

Some of the common symptoms of cancer are:

• Lump or mass in the breast, testicle, or other body part
• Change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or wart
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Persistent cough, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing
• Change in bowel or bladder habits or blood in the stool or urine
• Unusual bleeding or discharge from the vagina, nipple, or other body part
• Fatigue, weakness, or night sweats
• Fever, infection, or pain

Some of the risk factors for cancer are:

• Age: Cancer risk increases with age, as the DNA in the cells accumulates mutations or damage over time.
• Genetics: The risk of cancer is higher if a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has had cancer, especially at a young age or of the same type.
• Smoking: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of cancer, as it exposes the body to carcinogens, substances that can cause cancer, such as tar, nicotine, or carbon monoxide.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can increase the risk of cancer, as it can damage the DNA in the cells, impair the liver function, or interact with other carcinogens, such as tobacco.
• Diet: Diet can affect the risk of cancer, as some foods can increase or decrease the risk, such as processed meat, red meat, salt, sugar, or fat, which can increase the risk, or fruits, vegetables, fiber, or antioxidants, which can decrease the risk.
• Obesity: Obesity can increase the risk of cancer, as it can cause hormonal imbalance, inflammation, or insulin resistance, which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
• Physical inactivity: Physical inactivity can increase cancer risk, leading to obesity, poor circulation, or low immunity, facilitating the development or spread of cancer cells.
• Sun exposure: Sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, as it can damage the DNA in the skin cells, causing them to grow abnormally or uncontrollably.
• Infections: Infections can increase the risk of cancer, as some viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause chronic inflammation, immune suppression, or genetic changes, which can trigger or promote cancer, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B or C, Helicobacter pylori, or Schistosoma.

Some of the treatment options for cancer are:

• Surgery: Surgery can help remove the tumor or the affected organ, such as mastectomy, prostatectomy, or colectomy.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can help kill the cancer cells or stop them from dividing, using drugs injected into the vein or taken by mouth.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy can help destroy the cancer cells or shrink the tumor, using high-energy rays or particles directed at the tumor or the surrounding area.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy can help boost the immune system or target the cancer cells using substances produced by the body or in a laboratory, such as antibodies, cytokines, or vaccines.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy can help block or reduce the production or action of hormones that stimulate the growth of cancer cells, such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy can help interfere with the specific genes, proteins, or pathways that are involved in the growth or survival of cancer cells, using drugs that are designed to target them specifically.

Hospice and palliative care can help seniors with cancer manage their pain, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety. Hospice and palliative care can provide:

• Medications, patches, or pumps to relieve pain or nausea
• Therapies, massages, or acupuncture to relax the muscles and nerves
• Nutrition, hydration, or supplements to prevent or treat malnutrition or dehydration
• Education, guidance, or coordination to help seniors and their families understand their condition, treatment options, and prognosis
• Counseling, support groups, or spiritual care to address fear, anxiety, depression, or grief
• Advance care planning, palliative sedation, or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments to honor seniors’ wishes and preferences for their end-of-life care

Hospice and palliative care can also help seniors with cancer improve their quality of life, as studies have shown that hospice and palliative care can reduce hospitalizations, emergency visits, and intensive care unit admissions, as well as increase patient satisfaction and family well-being.