Skip to main content

Taking care of elders above 60 years of age:

*WHY MENTAL CONFUSION BEYOND 60 ???*

 Causes of: MENTAL CONFUSION IN THE THIRD AGE
By: Arnaldo Liechtenstein, physician.



Whenever I teach clinical medicine to students in the fourth year of medicine, I ask the following question:

What are the causes of mental confusion in the elderly?

Some offer: "Tumors in the head".  I answer: No!

Others suggest: "Early symptoms of Alzheimer's".  I answer again: No!

With each rejection of their answers, their responses dry up.

And they are even more open-mouthed when I list the three most common causes:

 - uncontrolled
   diabetes;
- urinary infection;
- dehydration

It may sound like a joke, but it isn't.  People over 60 constantly stop feeling thirsty and consequently stop drinking fluids.

When no one is around to remind them to drink fluids, they quickly dehydrate.  Dehydration is severe and affects the entire body.  It may cause abrupt mental confusion, a drop in blood pressure, increased heart palpitations,
angina (chest pain), coma and even death.

*This habit of forgetting to drink fluids begins at age 60, when we have just over 50% of the water we should have in our bodies.  People over 60 have a lower water reserve. This is part of the natural aging process.*

But there are more complications. Although they are dehydrated, they don't feel like drinking water, because their internal balance mechanisms don't work very well.

*Conclusion:*
People over 60 years old dehydrate easily, not only because they have a smaller water supply, but also because they do not feel the lack of water in the body.

Although people over 60 may look healthy, the performance of reactions and chemical functions can damage their entire body.

So here are two alerts:
  1) *Get into the habit of drinking liquids*.  Liquids include water, juices, teas, coconut water, milk, soups,and water-rich fruits, such as watermelon, melon, peaches and pineapple;  Orange and tangerine also work. 

*The important thing is that, every two hours, you must drink some liquid.  Remember this!*

2) Alert for family members: constantly offer fluids to people over 60.  At the same time, observe them.

If you realize that they are rejecting liquids and, from one day to the next, they are irritable, breathless or display a lack of attention, these are almost certainly recurrent symptoms of dehydration.

 Arnaldo Liechtenstein (46), physician, is a general practitioner at Hospital das Clínicas and a collaborating professor in the Department of Clinical Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP).

 Did you like it?

So spread it out!  DON'T FORGET TO DO IT NOW!

Your friends and family need to know for themselves and help you to be healthier and happier.

 It's good to share!  *For people over 60*
And also share with young ones to know their responsibility towards their elders.

Happiness always

Source: received through WhatsApp message

Popular posts from this blog

Building Bridges: Cultivating Positive Relationships:

 - Strong relationships with family and friends form the bedrock of a fulfilling life. They provide essential emotional support, offering a safe haven during challenging times and amplifying our joy during celebrations. These connections foster a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Moreover, they contribute significantly to our mental and physical well-being, as studies have shown that strong social ties can lower stress levels and even improve our immune systems. Ultimately, nurturing these relationships enriches our lives, providing a network of care, support, and shared experiences that make life more meaningful. Think about the people who bring light into your life. What makes those relationships feel so special? Often, it's the simple act of choosing to focus on the good, to appreciate the small moments, and to communicate with kindness.  Building positive relationships isn't about avoiding conflict or pretending everything is perfect. It...

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?

 - Is anybody happier  because you passed his way? Does anyone remember  that you spoke to him today? This day is almost over,  and its toiling time is through;  Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you? Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along? Or a churlish sort of "Howdy"  and then vanish in the throng? Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,  Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today? Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast, That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed? Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;  Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead? Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent? Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent? Source:  taken from Edgar Albert Guest poem. Reflection of above poem: "Is anybody happier because you passed his way?" is a po...

Judging Others: (Poem)

 - Judging Others: Sadly, we are always critiqued,  By the people that we know.  By title or occupation,  And by the possessions  that we show. We judge by skin colour,  Or by awards received.  By the denomination,  And by what we believe. We're judged by what we spend,  Or by what we give.  We're judged by age and gender,  And by where we live. We're judged by our past,  And by our education,  By the language that we speak,  Or by our nation. We evaluate cosmetically.  We judge both fat and small.  We judge by ones appearance.  Fact is, we judge it all! Some judge because they're paid to.  Some judge intentionally.  Some judge to build self worth,  Some judge unwillingly. BEWARE, for there is only One,  Who evaluates every stain and smudge.  Good luck amateur critics of humans,  When you face that  Wise & Mighty Judge! Source: received through WhatsApp message

What makes great organizations great:

Most great organisations are pulling itself to greatness. And one thing we need to agree is they care for their people and also care for the culture in which their employees work in. On the list of organizational priorities, culture often comes last. But research shows if you want to improve results, start by defining, implementing and improving your culture. When people feel appreciated and trust is high, they are more engaged and work better as a team. In turn it improves productivity, service, retention and performance. What is culture? Culture refers to people's 'way of life', the way groups do things. We need to believe that different groups of people may have different cultures. As genetics are passed on by heridity, the culture is passed on to the next generation by learning. The learning which needs culture to be imbibed in to people does not come by formal teaching or training. Yes, the concept of culture could be taught, but actual culture gets on to people...

9 tips for healthy life:

-  *First Tip:*  Always drink water even if you don't feel thirsty!!  The biggest health problem  is from the lack of water in the body! 2 litres Minimum per day (24 hours)  *Second Tip:*  Play sports even when you are very busy! The body must be moved, even if only by walking or swimming or any kind of sport!.🚶  Walking is good for a start!👌  *Third Tip:* Reduce food! Leave excessive food cravings  because it never does good! Don't deprive yourself  but reduce the quantity!  Use more of Protein & Carbohydrates based foods.  Photo is only illustration:  *Fourth Tip*  As much as possible, do not use the car unless absolutely necessary! Try to reach on foot for what you want (grocery, visiting someone or any goal)!  Climb stairs instead of  using an elevator/ escalator.  *Fifth Tip*  Let go of Anger!!  Let go of worry!! Try to overlook things...   Do not involve yourself in situations...

Experience greater happiness, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose in life:

- Experiencing greater happiness, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose in life hinges upon cultivating personal power. This inner strength empowers us to navigate challenges, make conscious choices, and live authentically.  By understanding and harnessing our own potential , we can break free from limiting beliefs, cultivate meaningful relationships, and create a life that truly reflects our values and aspirations. This journey of self-discovery and empowerment unlocks a profound sense of fulfillment and allows us to live a life of joy and purpose. What is personal power? Personal power is the ability to influence the outcome of events and shape your own life, rather than feeling like you're at the mercy of external forces.   It's about having control over your thoughts, emotions, and actions. The concept of personal power gained prominence in the field of psychology in the 20th century.  Psychologists began to emphasize the importance of individual agency and the abilit...

Thank and appreciate the people you care for, that they are important:

A beautiful story, do read...it makes a difference One day Maths teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers. That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments. No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with...

(Mind maps) 10 ways to build emotional intelligence:

- Click to watch the mind map in a very excellent approach: (Mind maps) 10 ways to build emotional intelligence- is from the book written by Daniel Goleman. Source: Directly linked to youtube. Further reading: Emotional intelligence (otherwise known as emotional quotient or EQ) is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict. Emotional intelligence helps you build stronger relationships, succeed at school and work, and achieve your career and personal goals. Intellectual ability or your intelligence quotient (IQ) isn’t enough on its own to achieve success in life. Yes, your IQ can help you get into college, but it’s your EQ that will help you manage the stress and emotions when facing your final exams or stresses in real life.  Click to read full article from source:

Shine in your SSLC* Karnataka State Board Exams:

 - *Study material Flipkart order link:* *Maths-* https://rb.gy/j334op -----^----- *Science-* https://rb.gy/dau4ic -----^----- *Social-* https://rb.gy/cmazkk -----^----- *English First Language-* https://shorturl.at/nvY13 -----^----- *Kannada- Second Language-* https://shorturl.at/dmX23 -----^----- *Hindi Third Language-* https://shorturl.at/msuwM -----^----- *Urdu Third Language-* https://shorturl.at/wC267 -----^----- Click to *watch video* about books- https://youtu.be/8ZmzjmMORO4 *Shine in your SSLC* Karnataka State Board Exams with the Best Study Material! The material that best suit your learning style and needs. * Now available online on flipkart. * SSLC exam is an important step in a student's life. It determines your future and open up new opportunities for you. That's why it's important to *be well-prepared* for these exams. *Limited time offer:* Order Now, start preparing for success! *Contact:* 73495 95307 * Study material Flipkart order link :* *Maths-* https://...

Happier you.

Volunteer : Find ways to get involved in your community or help out a friend in need. You’ll help yourself, too. It can improve your mental health and well-being. Win-win. Bonding : Bond with the best. Make sure to maintain lifelong connections. Studies show the more connected you are, the happier you are. Count Your Blessings : Nobody is spared of blessings. Write down everything that’s good in your life. Ex: a connection, a good quality in you, a small thing etc. When you make an effort to look on the bright side, it helps you stay focused on the positive. Forgive and Forget : Are you holding a grudge? Let it go. Most often if we do not forgive a person it hurts and disturbs a lot only to us. Forgiveness frees you from negative thoughts and makes more room in your life for inner peace. And that brings you happiness. So, forgive to free yourself. Know where you are heading towards : It will give us a confidence when we know where are we heading in life...