Latest news with #elderlyhealth
Independent Singapore
04-08-2025
- Health
- Independent Singapore
‘He does not think twice to destroy his health' — Daughter breaks down over father's junk food obsession
SINGAPORE: Deeply concerned that her father's eating habits may one day cost him his life, a daughter turned to social media to seek advice, asking fellow netizens, 'How do I get my elderly parent from eating junk food?' Posting on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Sunday (Aug 3), the daughter explained that she has done everything she possibly could to keep her father healthy. She reminds him regularly to eat more balanced meals, pays S$1,200 annually for his health check-ups, gives him enough allowance to afford fresh, nutritious food, and offers emotional support whenever he needs it. Yet, despite all this, she feels nothing is changing. In fact, she said it seems to be getting worse. 'Lately, he has been eating instant noodles, lucheon meat, processed fishballs, and the list goes on. He buys lots of junk food, never-ending crackers, chocolate-coated waffles, junk food after junk food,' she wrote. 'I came home from a long trip, and he surprised me with another deep fryer, more junk food, and he seems so proud of it. I'm breaking down in tears now. Why do some people eat themselves to death? At this rate, he's not gonna live a good old age. My best friend's father died from a diet-related sickness. I do not wish this on any parent,' she added. In her desperation, she has even considered paying someone to prepare home-cooked meals for him every day, but she admitted she already knows he would likely turn them down or quietly throw them out. 'I'm angry and desperate. I do my best to give him allowance, comfort, support him, but he does not think twice to destroy his health and break my heart. Does he want to die so he won't stop eating these junk food? How do I stop him? I'm wondering if anyone is dealing with this?' she asked at the end of her post. 'It's hard to stop elderly. They won't listen.' In the discussion thread, one Singaporean Redditor shared that his own parents behave similarly and said it's unlikely the father would completely give up junk food. He also mentioned that older people can be quite set in their ways, so instead of trying to change everything at once, it might be better to start small and slowly help them build better habits. He added, 'You can help to strike a balance, introduce healthier options and food to his diet, not by telling him, but by just cooking/buying and then eating together with him. Slowly, he won't realise that he's been eating more healthy food. When you keep nagging at them, they won't really listen.' Another Redditor suggested taking over the grocery shopping completely, writing, 'Can you make sure no junk food in the house? Maybe take over the shopping and buy fresh veg, and so on. He might be buying junk because it's cheaper, but it's hard to stop elderly. They won't listen.' A third added, 'I had the same problem with my uncle… Consider ordering food delivery. Elderly folks eat junk because it is convenient, not because they love it… it is a good middle ground for taste and their laziness. If they had better choices on their lap, they wouldn't be eating junk food. Do try food delivery or get a maid to cook.' See also China summons US ambassador over Hong Kong rights bill In other news, one woman, who recently met up with a close friend she had feelings for over 15 years, confessed on social media that she deeply regretted never admitting her feelings back then. Sharing her story on Reddit's 'SGexams' forum on Sunday (Aug 3), the woman revealed that she was about 13 years old when she first realised she liked her friend. Read more: Woman reunites with old friend and confesses online that she regrets never revealing her feelings during their 15-year friendship
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
UN report: Older people at particular risk from climate change
Elderly people are at particular risk from the consequences of climate change, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a report on Thursday. "Heat waves are among the most frequent and deadly impacts of climate change, along with floods and shrinking ice cover,' said Inger Andersen, the UNEP's executive director. 'We must be prepared for the risks these impacts pose, especially for society's most vulnerable, including older persons.' Annual heat-related deaths among older people have risen by around 85% since the 1990s. Older people - especially those suffering from chronic illnesses or frailty and with limited mobility - are particularly susceptible to heat-related health problems, including respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The mortality rate is also higher in this group. The combination of heat and high humidity, which is already being observed during heatwaves in some tropical regions, is particularly dangerous for elderly people. Warming cities are also increasingly problematic, especially as the urban population is increasing worldwide.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Expert reveals why you should never cross your legs while flying on a plane - and how to reduce your risk of being ill
Elderly passengers have been warned to avoid one common sitting position on a plane as it could be very risky. Lee Cartwright, elderly care expert from Mobility Solutions Direct, has warned older passengers not to cross their legs on the plane. He says: 'Crossing your legs during a flight might seem harmless, but it's actually one of the worst things you can do for your health while travelling. 'It can lead to back and joint pain, and more seriously, it can restrict blood flow in your legs, increasing the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.' Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a 'blood clot forms in a vein', usually a leg. It can be life-threatening if the clot travels to another part of the body. Elderly passengers are particularly at risk from DVT, says Lee. He explains: 'As we age, our circulation tends to slow, muscle strength declines and the valves in our veins may not work as effectively. 'Additionally, other age-related health conditions like diabetes can make blood clots more likely.' How to reduce your risk of DVT while flying Keep moving throughout the flight - Lee recommends getting 'up every hour or so to stretch or walk up and down the aisle'. This can help to keep passengers' legs active. Keep your legs stretched when sitting - 'Rather than sitting with your legs crossed, try stretching them out in front of you with a gentle bend at the knees,' advises Lee. He explains that this will 'keep your blood flowing properly' and 'take some of the strain off your lower back'. Stay well hydrated - Lee recommends drinking lots of water throughout the flight as 'hydration helps your blood flow more easily'. Use compression socks - Lee explains: 'Compression socks or stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs, which can help with blood circulation and reduce swelling.' Do simple leg movements in your seat - Flexing your feet, rotating your ankles and 'gently lifting your knees every 30 minutes' can lower your risk of DVT, says Lee. Symptoms of DVT Swelling in one leg - Lee says: 'A blood clot, or DVT, often leads to noticeable swelling in one leg, usually around the calf or thigh. The area might feel unusually firm or sore to touch.' Increased cramping - 'This can feel similar to a muscle strain or cramp,' warns Lee. 'It may become more uncomfortable when you're walking or standing. You might also notice the area feels warm or looks a bit red.' Discoloured skin - Lee says: 'The skin over the clot may appear redder or darker than the surrounding area, and it can feel warmer than usual.' Shortness of breath - The expert warns: 'In more serious cases, a clot can move to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. This can lead to sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing and it requires urgent medical attention.' It comes after a pilot shared an easy remedy that can ease painful ears for everyone from adults to children, who often suffer more than the grown-ups they're travelling with. eSIM travel company Airalo sought the advice of pilot William Hosie, who explained: 'Cabin pressure changes as you climb or descend in the plane. When the plane is at 35,000 feet, you're breathing air in the cabin as if you're at 6,000 feet. 'The air is thinner and the air pressure is less, which is why some people have problems with toothache, and of course ears.'
