Did you know that, as of 2019, there were over 54 million senior citizens in the United States? With the Baby Boomer population aging into retirement, care for senior citizens is more necessary than ever.
Have you ever wondered about behavioral changes in seniors close to you and what they could mean? Here are four of the most common elderly behavioral changes and personality changes in seniors.
1. Early Symptoms of Dementia
Unfortunately, dementia is a disease very prevalent in the senior population. It causes symptoms such as forgetfulness, aggression, unsocial behaviors, and difficulty concentrating on tasks.
Although sometimes mild forgetfulness can be attributed to old age, you should still take your loved one to get checked if you have concerns. A doctor will perform a cognitive test to determine if they have brain damage from dementia or not.
2. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is very common among senior citizens, which is why getting regular hearing checks is a staple of senior healthcare. If you do not identify hearing loss quickly enough, it could lead to permanent loss of some cognitive abilities.
Once your loved one’s doctor diagnoses hearing impairment, you will likely need to get your loved one a hearing aid. Make sure they know how to use it properly so that they can do all their normal activities safely.
3. Boredom in Retirement
When you have been working for decades, retirement can be a difficult transition. For some seniors, the lack of things to do or a purpose can cause boredom, which leads to elderly behavioral changes.
If you notice your loved one is bored or has unsocial behaviors, try to sign them up for an activity group or get them involved in the local senior center. They can meet people in the same stage of life and engage in fun games or group activities.
Many senior groups take buses or vans to places such as the local mall or parks. Making friends is a wonderful way to combat unsocial behaviors and maintain relationships in retirement.
4. Anxiety and Depression
Mental illness affects all parts of the population, including seniors. Aging can cause anxiety or depression about problems such as worsening health or lack of social life. Many seniors also worry about whether they will be able to afford care in the future due to limited funds. They also have to struggle with maintaining their home or deciding whether to downsize.
You should always reassure your loved one that you have their best interest at heart and that you will get their opinion before making any major changes to their care.
Learn About Behavioral Changes in Seniors
If your loved one is aging, you should not have to worry about what behavioral changes in seniors to expect. With this guide, you can be prepared and know how to solve any type of common issue they may have.