It is normal for us to be concerned about our aging loved-ones’ health so it is really important for us to know and be able to recognize signs of heath problems as early as possible. This way, we can help them right away and make their lives more comfortable and hassle-free.

Thus the need to know warning signs and what to look for to identify health problems. It is important to note though that as soon as you see one or two of these signs on your senior, you must take them to a healthcare professional at once to be able to determine if their condition is still normal or if they need immediate care. Never delay response to these warning signs.

1. Having a hard time using their hands. If there’s one thing we, humans, use all the time but often got overlooked, it is our hands. Normal hand-things such as grasping and picking up things become quite a feat for seniors with health problems.
2. No interest in preparing food. If your senior used to love cooking and suddenly you find their fridge devoid of anything edible then it is time for you to intervene. Naturally if they are having a hard time using their hands and reading labels, there is something wrong with their health.
3. Sudden complaints of food not tasting or smelling right. Actually it is normal for aging people to suddenly experience loss of taste and smell however, underlying health problems usually brought about these sensory conditions as well.
4. Weight loss. Of course, as symptoms pile up, your senior is expected to lose weight – drastically.
5. Personal hygiene problems. Have you noticed neglect on their personal hygiene such as taking a bath and brushing their teeth. These things are hard to miss since they will definitely smell.
6. Neglect of their home and surroundings. Check their bathrooms if you are not comfortable in checking their rooms, since bathrooms are the first part of the house to go all smelly and undesirable when neglected for few days.
7. Repeating stories over and over again but not showing signs that they knew about the first time they told you that particular story. This is a clear sign of early dementia, if you ask me.
8. Depression. Sure depression has many signs in its own but the most telling would be mood swings, or worse, being sad and distant or angry and violent all the time. When you’re in constant pain, it is but natural to be depressed.
9. Chronic fatigue to a point where your senior no longer wish to go out of the house and would rather just sit on her favorite couch or be on bed 24/7.
10. Limited range of motion. The most discreet way of observing your senior if they are experiencing difficulty when moving around is to have them walk even a short distance. Take note of how they walk. Are they walking funny? Perhaps swaying from one side to another. Or dragging their feet like it was made with lead? If there is an obvious steadiness, you should consult a doctor.