As we head into “the dog days of summer,” many of us who are over 65 feel the effects of the heat and humidity more acutely than younger folk. We may feel exhausted, out of breath, listless, and drained of energy. However, these symptoms may not be entirely due to the summer heat and humidity. Many of the symptoms just mentioned are also symptoms of a condition known as anemia, a deficiency in red blood cells, which leads to low levels of hemoglobin in the body. Less hemoglobin in the bloodstream means that less oxygen in being delivered to the various parts of our body. The low levels of oxygen produce the feelings of fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, altered emotional states, lack of interest in life, and so on—which are often mistaken for signs of aging.
Anemia is a very common condition among the elderly. Many elderly patients suffer from anemia. Up to 44 percent of all those who are over 65 are affected by anemia to one extent or another, and men are more likely to develop it than women. It is easy for anemia in the elderly to go unnoticed and undiagnosed because the signs are not specific, and we tend to adjust our levels of activity to suit our energy levels and simply think that we are getting old and need to slow down.
Many think that anemia is an unavoidable consequence of aging. However, we do not necessarily become more anemic as we get older. It is our lifestyle choices and our general health that makes us more likely to develop anemia as we get older. Chronic disease and iron deficiency are the common factors that are responsible for us becoming anemic as we age. Low levels of Vitamin B12 and of folate in our diet may also be factors, along with other factors. The elderly often suffer from loss of appetite, sometimes resulting from other medical conditions. Others may have difficulty going grocery shopping or cooking their own meals. These general conditions contribute to a poor diet and thus to nutritional deficiencies leading to anemia. However, anemia may also develop because of blood loss from ulcers, diabetes, and other causes of internal bleeding, as well as in the aftermath of surgery. All these medical issues affect the elderly to a greater extent than in other age groups.
It is easy enough to correct anemia caused by Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency using vitamin supplements and daily doses of folic acid. However, treating iron deficiency is slightly more complicated. The most common approach to correcting iron deficiency is to take iron tablets. However, many elderly patients have difficulty tolerating iron tablets. They sometimes find that it causes severe constipation or stomach cramps, or constant feelings of nausea. Recently, a method has been developed for administering iron intravenously, so that elderly anemia patients do not have to take pills. The intravenous injections do not cause the unpleasant side effects caused by the pills, and they are usually given three time a year in a session that lasts for about one hour, depending on each case.
Since anemia may cause tiredness, weakness, headaches, leg cramps, coldness, mental confusion, and so on, it can lead to serious health consequences, especially falls, which cause the brittle bones of the elderly to fracture, and this may then result in an extended hospital stay. In addition, anemia may make certain chronic illnesses, such as heart, lung, liver, and kidney disease, more severe. Extremely low levels of hemoglobin can cause a heart attack or stroke. So, anemia can be a serious problem for the elderly. If you are a senior, consider asking your family doctor to get you tested for anemia, and if you have a senior in your life a family member or friend, encourage them to do so. The earlier anemia is detected and treated, the better are your chances of living a happier and healthier life.
Dr. Veena Alfred Ph.D
CEO /Administrator
