[Check! Health] Upcoming Parents' Day... Parent Health Checklist

Meal, Memory, Gait, and Medication
Alcohol, Smoking, Depression, and Sleep
Various Health Conditions Must Be Checked

May 8th is Parents' Day, which comes around every year. However, each time Parents' Day approaches, there are moments when we have to witness our parents' vitality gradually declining. Many parents, even if they are feeling unwell, often do not disclose it because they worry their children might be concerned, or they dismiss symptoms as simply "getting older" and let them pass. On the occasion of Parents' Day, we have compiled questions that can help check your parents' nutritional status and mental health with the assistance of Professor Jang Il-young from the Department of Geriatrics at Seoul Asan Medical Center.

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Question 1. Are you eating three meals a day?

Asking about three meals a day may sound like a casual greeting, but it is very helpful in assessing your parents' nutritional status. As people age, digestive ability weakens and absorption rates drop, so they may think they have eaten enough, but their actual food intake may have significantly decreased. Also, poor dental health can lead to avoiding meat or protein, resulting in protein deficiency.

If the quantity or quality of meals is poor, be sure to ask why. It is good to check if they have no appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or indigestion. Sometimes, medications can cause loss of appetite, so check if they have recently started taking more medicines. Many parents silently deal with constipation, which causes indigestion and loss of appetite, so do not overlook this and make sure to confirm.

Question 2. Have you been forgetting things more often?

Many parents feel burdened or embarrassed to think they might have dementia. Even if their memory declines, they often do not talk about it due to self-esteem or concerns from those around them.

However, it is important to remember that the best way to treat dementia is prevention and early diagnosis. Unlike forgetfulness due to aging, dementia gradually impairs not only memory but also spatial perception, calculation ability, and judgment. When daily life is affected and they can no longer handle tasks independently, it is necessary to get an accurate diagnosis.

To prevent dementia, it is important to develop good habits early on. Eat a balanced diet and properly manage hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Avoid smoking and drinking, and be cautious about obesity. Regular brain activities and physical exercise are beneficial. Research shows that walking just 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia.

[Image source=Pixabay]

Question 3. Have you fallen recently?

In the elderly, fractures caused by falls take a considerable time to recover from. There are also physical, mental, and social function declines, as well as economic burdens such as caregiving and medical expenses. After recovery, fear of falling again increases. This can lead to reduced outings and exercise, staying at home more, which may cause other health problems. Mentally, anxiety or depression may appear, ultimately lowering the quality of life for the elderly.

Internal factors for falls include decreased balance and weakened muscles. Common medications taken by parents, such as antihypertensives, sedatives, and cold medicines frequently used in winter, can cause dizziness as a side effect. It is good to consistently engage in light exercises like walking to improve balance and muscle strength. Prevent fall-prone environments at home in advance. Remove obstacles such as electrical plugs that can easily cause tripping, and maintain adequate lighting so the house is not too dark.

Question 4. Do you take your medication properly?

If your parents take multiple medications for chronic diseases, it is good to check ▲how many medications they take ▲if they take them on time ▲if there is any duplication. If they cannot accurately remember whether they take more or less medicine, checking the medication instructions and marking dates on the medicine bags or setting alarms on their mobile phones can help ensure proper medication adherence. If you visit your parents' home on Parents' Day, take a look at their medicine box and ask about the medications they are taking. Proper organization is important as incorrect medication can lead to accidents.

Question 5. How often do you drink alcohol or smoke?

When advised to quit smoking, many parents give up, saying, "I've smoked all my life; what difference would it make now?" However, since smoking is a major cause of poor blood circulation, if your parents often complain of numbness in their hands and feet or have leg problems when walking long distances, it is necessary to encourage them to quit smoking.

Alcohol impairs liver function, and since all medications are metabolized and detoxified in the liver, the effectiveness of blood pressure or diabetes medications may decrease. If you tell your parents that even stopping drinking for about three days can make the medication more effective, it might help encourage them to abstain from alcohol.

[Image source=Pixabay]

Question 6. Have you felt sad or depressed?

When elderly people feel psychologically depressed or sad, all their functions decline. This condition, called geriatric depression, should be suspected if they complain of unexplained insomnia, pain, or indigestion at the hospital. Geriatric depression also causes cognitive problems; they lose interest in reading newspapers or watching TV, and information does not register well. They lose interest in the world, and concentration and judgment may decline.

If they feel depressed for more than two weeks, they must visit a hospital for diagnosis. Early detection and active treatment lead to good outcomes, prevent complications, and reduce recurrence. In daily life, it is good to maintain a healthy physical rhythm. Get enough sleep and exposure to bright sunlight. Family members' responses are also important. Listen carefully to your parents and avoid premature advice. Even from afar, frequently call to check on their mood. Since geriatric depression responds well to treatment, the role of the closest family members is crucial.

Question 7. Do you usually sleep well?

"Do you sleep well?" and "Does good sleep relieve your fatigue?" are important indicators that can give a quick overview of your parents' health. Poor quality sleep often suggests other underlying health issues.

If they complain of fatigue upon waking early in the morning, their sleep quality may not be good. Elderly people often go to bed early and try to sleep, which can cause them to wake up in the early hours. They go to bed and wake up too early. If your parents complain of this discomfort, it is important to adjust their bedtime and wake-up time. As people age, they often go to bed early because they have nothing to do late at night, but this leads to waking up early. Thinking about delaying bedtime slightly can help reduce early morning awakenings.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.