Children have distinct developmental milestones associated with each stage of their growth. Sitting up, walking, and hand-waving are examples. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move from turning over to crawling to walking.
It’s important to remember that this is a natural part of life, and while it may be challenging, it’s a journey that many families navigate. An aging parent goes from walking to being unable to walk without assistance, from having a healthy appetite to eating very little and needing assistance with eating, from smiling readily to an emotional withdrawal from what used to be fun, from being able to manage simple activities of toileting and bathing to being unsafe or unable without someone to help. These are challenging milestones, but they are part of the aging process.
Caregivers for an aging loved one play a crucial role in monitoring the aging process. Even subtle changes are significant when viewed as developmental milestones. Your vigilance and care are not just important, but invaluable in this journey. Stay alert and keep monitoring.
As a caregiver for an aging parent or loved one, you may feel uncertain about objectively assessing the aging process. Having a checklist of things to look out for can provide a structured and less emotional way to evaluate a parent. Noticing signs of aging in your parents can be challenging, but being aware of these changes can help you provide the support they need. Here are some clear signs that your parent may be getting older:
Senior Assessment Checklist
☑ Mobility Issues: Assistance needed to get out of a chair; sleeping in a recliner at night; falling due to throw-rugs or steps; inability to ambulate.
☑ Memory Issues: Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, but frequent memory lapses, confusion, or difficulty following instructions can be concerning. Understanding this can help you feel reassured and less anxious.
☑ Language Patterns: Difficulty finding words; decreased conversation; does not initiate conversation.
☑ Physical Changes: Significant weight loss or gain, poor hygiene, and difficulty with mobility (e.g., trouble walking or frequent falls) are common indicators of aging.
☑ Hearing Loss: Increasing difficulty in comprehending soft voices and rapid speech; increased paranoia due to lack of hearing or understanding.
☑ Appetite Changes: Not motivated to prepare meals; difficulty feeding self; “forgetting” to eat; takes more than ½ hour to complete a meal.
☑ Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss (10% or more in the past 6 months); loose fitting clothes; apparent loss of muscle tone.
☑ Pain: Persistent pain even when treated; over-use of pain medicines (prescription or over the counter); maintaining the same posture for hours to prevent pain.
☑ Illness Frequency: Frequent ER visits: urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, pneumonia.
☑ Household Changes: A messy or cluttered home, expired food in the fridge, or difficulty maintaining the household can signal that they need help.
☑ Mood and Behavior Changes: Noticeable changes in mood, such as increased irritability, depression, or anxiety, can be signs of aging.
☑ Emotions: Loss of ability to smile; withdrawal from activities or hobbies; increased use of alcohol; unusually sad or lacking interest in life.
☑ Personal care: Lack of personal hygiene; infrequent bathing or refusal to bathe; wearing the same clothes each day.
☑ Social Isolation: Reduced social interactions or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed can indicate loneliness or depression.
☑ Sleep Patterns: Sleeping more than 12 hours in a day; staying in bed unusually late; falling asleep during visits.
☑ Difficulty Managing Finances: Struggling to pay bills on time, managing money, or understanding financial documents can indicate cognitive decline.
☑ Safety Concerns: Issues like forgetting to turn off the stove, difficulty driving, or not taking medications correctly can pose serious safety risks.
You can download this checklist in a printable form by clicking HERE.
If you notice any of these signs, having a gentle conversation with your parents about their needs might be helpful. You might also consider seeking professional advice or in-home support.