Healthy Ageing Month: Change in eating habits, reduced mobility are signs your parents need you

Reduced communication, social withdrawal, and isolation are key indicators that your aging parents might need help. (Image: Canva)

As our parents age, their abilities—and thus their needs—can change in subtle and unexpected ways. Recognising when they might need assistance is crucial for ensuring their safety, health, and well-being. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have an open and empathetic conversation with your parents about their needs and explore available support options. Asheesh Gupta, Founder and Chief Care Officer of Samarth, lists ten signs that your ageing parents might need help:

Changes in eating habits

Sudden changes in your parents' eating habits, such as skipping meals, can be a sign of underlying health issues or depression. If they frequently miss meals, are losing weight, or show a lack of interest in their favourite foods, it may indicate they need help managing their nutrition and overall well-being.

Problems with memory

Frequent forgetfulness, confusion about time or place, and difficulty recalling recent events can be signs of cognitive decline, as can the frequent repetition of stories. These memory problems may indicate conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Observing these issues necessitates addressing them promptly, seeking medical advice, and exploring support options.

Inability to complete regular tasks and increased dependency

An inability to complete regular tasks and increased dependence on others can suggest that your ageing parents may need help. If they struggle with daily activities like cooking or shopping or rely heavily on others for these tasks, it’s a sign they may require more consistent support.

Decline in home maintenance

A decline in home maintenance, such as a cluttered or disorganised living space, signs of falls, or deteriorating conditions, can indicate that your ageing parents may need help. These issues might suggest difficulties in managing household tasks or physical limitations. Prompt action can prevent accidents and ensure their home remains a safe and comfortable place.

Difficulty in managing finances

Difficulty managing finances can be a significant sign that your ageing parents need help. If you notice missed bills, disorganised financial paperwork, or confusion about expenses, they may be struggling with money management. These issues could indicate cognitive decline or other challenges.

Changes in personality or mood

Changes in personality or mood can signal that your ageing parents might need help. If they exhibit sudden mood swings, increased irritability, or unusual withdrawal from social activities, it could indicate underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. These emotional and behavioural changes often reflect difficulties with mental or physical health.

Reduced communication and socialising

Reduced communication, social withdrawal, and isolation are key indicators that your ageing parents might need help. If they are less engaged in conversations, avoiding social activities, or spending increasing amounts of time alone, it could suggest emotional distress, depression, or cognitive decline.

Also see: Feeling sad? Here's how high cortisol level weakens immunity, makes you prone to illnesses

Mobility issues

Mobility issues in ageing parents can be a significant sign they need help. Difficulty walking, frequent falls, or trouble navigating stairs can indicate physical decline or underlying health problems. These mobility challenges may affect their ability to perform daily activities safely.

Increased or unexplained health issues

Increased or unexplained health issues in ageing parents can signal a need for help. Persistent or new health problems, such as frequent illness, unexplained pain, or worsening chronic conditions, may indicate underlying issues requiring attention. Frequent falls or unaddressed physical health concerns may also suggest they need medical attention or assistance with physical tasks.

Neglecting personal hygiene or medical routines

Neglecting personal hygiene can be a sign that your ageing parents need help. If they are frequently unkempt, have poor grooming habits, or show a lack of interest in bathing or changing clothes, it may indicate physical or mental health struggles. This decline in self-care could stem from mobility issues, depression, or cognitive decline. Missing medication doses, not following medical advice, or failing to attend medical appointments may indicate difficulties in managing health care needs.