Senior Care

Roughly 92% of seniors live with a chronic disease, according to the National Council on Aging. Since these issues don’t develop overnight, it’s important to have routine senior care physicals and screenings at Innovative Care Medicine – Riverside in Riverside, California. Dr. Ohri and his team specialize in senior diagnostics and treatments to improve your quality of life. If you have an issue that’s bothering you, or if you’re due for a routine senior physical, book an evaluation. You can either use the online scheduling system or call the clinic.

Senior Care Q & A

Which diseases are most common in seniors?

One of the most common issues seniors over age 65 face is some form of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. About half of all seniors struggle with arthritis, which is known for leading the agonizing pain that can lower your quality of life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains.

But the leading cause of death of adults over age 65 is heart disease. As you age, you’re also more likely to develop:

  • Certain forms of cancer
  • Chronic respiratory diseases
  • Cognitive conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease
  • Osteoporosis and diabetes
  • Overactive bladder

Plus, since your immune system isn’t as efficient as it was when you were younger, and you have a harder time fighting bacterial and viral infections, you’re more likely to have complications with seasonal flu or pneumonia.

How often do I need a senior physical?

How often you need a physical as a senior depends on your overall health and previous medical history. If you’re generally healthy and don’t have any worrisome biomarkers in your blood, Dr. Ohri might suggest annual visits. This exam is your opportunity to get any necessary blood work and to get caught up on necessary senior vaccinations, such as the flu shot.

He’s likely going to want to see you more regularly if you have chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. In these cases, you might need to schedule a senior physical twice a year, or as recommended.

Which treatments help with chronic conditions in seniors?

As a board-certified family practitioner, Dr. Ohri has extensive training in caring for seniors and helping them manage chronic conditions. Because he wants to help improve your quality of life and decrease any pain or discomfort you experience, he generally starts by coaching you through lifestyle changes such as:

  • Losing weight
  • Watching your diet
  • Incorporating more physical activity

In some cases, like for high cholesterol or blood pressure, you might need prescription medications. Dr. Ohri has advanced training in the latest types of medications and knows precisely how they interact with each other. He finds the right drugs for your needs while working to minimize side effects or negative interactions.

If you’re looking for a physician who specializes in senior health care, the team at Innovative Care Medicine – Riverside can help. Book your exam by using the online scheduling feature or by calling the clinic.