Environmental Health Risks for Seniors

Approximately one-fifth of the population in America are seniors. Older adults aged 60 and up tend to be more vulnerable to environmental health risks such as poor air quality, contaminated water, and pollution. These issues can cause a variety of problems, especially for seniors who are unable to handle them. Luckily, these environmental health risks for seniors can be mitigated by taking proper precautions, which will be covered in this article.

What are the Environmental Health Risks for Seniors? 

Seniors are more vulnerable to environmental health risks because their bodies are less able to adapt and cope with them. They also are more likely to have other health conditions that can be negatively affected by these environmental health risks. Here are the main environmental health risks that pose a threat to seniors.

Air Pollution 

Air pollution is everywhere and negatively affects everyone. Seniors are especially vulnerable to air pollution. Air pollution can worsen heart conditions, strokes, respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as diabetes. Mold in the home can also exacerbate air pollution making the health risks even higher. This can result in higher medication usage, more frequent healthcare visits, increased emergency room and hospital admissions, and, in some cases, even death.

Water Contamination and Pollution 

Water contamination and pollution are growing problems and have been increasing globally. These pollutants can have a significant effect on the health of seniors by inducing hormonal changes, accelerating aging, and leading to the premature onset of age-related diseases.

Chemical Exposure at Home

Personal care and cleaning products, furniture, electronics, and other consumer products may contain chemicals that can end up in the air. The chemicals found in these products, such as phthalates, flame retardants, and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), are often detected in the U.S. population. These substances have been linked to harmful health effects, such as reproductive and endocrine system toxicity.

Climate Change

Climate change may lead to higher levels of outdoor air pollutants, including ground-level ozone, particulate matter from wildfire smoke, and dust from droughts. These pollutants can increase the risk of heart attacks, particularly in older adults who are diabetic or obese. Additionally, air pollution can worsen conditions like asthma and COPD, while exposure to ground-level ozone can impair lung function.

How Can These Risks Be Mitigated?

Fortunately for us all, there are various ways to mitigate these health risks from our environment. Certain steps must be taken to avoid health risks associated with air pollution, water contamination, household chemicals, and climate change.

How to Protect Your Loved Ones from Air Pollution

It is estimated that poor air quality causes over 100,000 premature deaths in the US. Encourage individuals to stay indoors as much as possible when the air quality is poor. If they need to go outside, they should wear a mask that fully covers their nose and mouth for added protection.

Regularly check the Air Quality Index (AQI), which indicates how polluted the air is. If the AQI is high, it’s especially important to remain indoors to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

Advise them to avoid strenuous activities when air quality is poor. Physical exertion, especially when carried out outdoors, can make them more vulnerable to the negative effects of pollution.

To maintain indoor air quality, keep doors and windows closed, and use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier. Avoid smoking, burning candles, or cooking fried foods to minimize indoor pollutants.

How to Keep Seniors Safe from Water Contamination and Pollution

To avoid the harmful effects of water pollution and contamination, it’s important to get your water tested and take the necessary precautions. Out of every 10 people in the US, 9 access tap water through the public system. Your utilities are supposed to test the water regularly. However, the pipes within your home might be responsible for the contaminants in your tap water. If you’re getting your water from a private well, then it’s your responsibility to test it and ensure that it’s safe for consumption. Some of the contaminants that may be found in tap water include chemicals like lead, PFAS, which are also called forever chemicals, and arsenic. There could also be germs such as Rotavirus and Salmonella in the tap water. Since waterborne diseases and other contaminants can cause many health issues, it’s important to test it if you have concerns. In case the quality of the water is not good, consider reaching out to your utility or health department and take steps to make it safe for drinking. 

How to Prevent Chemical Exposure at Home

Firstly, when using any household chemical it’s important to read the labels and follow the instructions to make sure you protect yourself properly.

Wear PPE or personal protective equipment when using household chemicals that can be dangerous. This can include gloves, safety glasses/goggles, and a respiratory mask. In the case of a senior with decreased cognitive capabilities, it’s important to lock up household chemicals that could cause harm. 

How to Protect Seniors from the Effects of Climate Change

Here are some simple steps you can take to keep yourself or a loved one safe from the harmful effects of climate change:

• Stay cool and hydrated: Stay hydrated, wear loose, light-colored clothing, and remain in air-conditioned spaces. 
• Stay informed about air quality: Check local sources and credible online platforms to find out the current quality of the air in your community so you can make informed choices.
• Prevent bites: Use insect repellents to avoid bites from bugs and ticks.

How Nurse Next Door Helps with Keeping Seniors Safe

The caregivers at Nurse Next Door can provide care personalized for your loved ones and go the extra mile to ensure their safety, health, and well-being. Our licensed caregivers are well-versed in all the threats to health that seniors may face and provide guidance and assistance to protect them. We can create a tailored home care plan that takes into account all the environmental health risks in the environment where they live. Nurse Next Door’s caregivers keep your loved ones safe through various daily checks, household tasks, and precautionary measures.

In conclusion, seniors often face multiple environmental health risks, including poor air quality, water contamination, chemical exposure, and the harmful effects of climate change. These risks can worsen existing health conditions, but proactive measures such as monitoring air and water quality, reducing chemical exposure, and staying informed can mitigate their impact. Services like Nurse Next Door provide personalized care to help seniors manage these risks and ensure their well-being and happiness.