January 6, 2021
Aging Ex-Military Members Face More Health Woes Than Regular Seniors
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When you get older, you become more vulnerable to diseases and chronic medical conditions. For those who have served in the military, it would seem that aging has even worse effects. While elderly citizens and old veterans alike are prone to health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, the latter are liable to experience other conditions not normally encountered by regular seniors.
The following are common health challenges elderly veterans face:
- Dementia
Veterans are at risk of developing dementia as they reach the age of 65. It occurs when the brain’s nerve cells get damaged.
Although dementia generally involves a decline in memory, particularly with older people, that’s not always the case. Of the many different types of dementia, Alzheimer’s is the most common. Here are early signs and symptoms to look out:
- Memory loss
- Communication problems
- Difficulty with coordination and motor functions
- Being confused about place and time
- Poor judgment
- Misplacing objects
- Difficulty with spatial and visual abilities
- Agitation
- Inappropriate behavior
- Social withdrawal
- Traumatic brain injury
Having engaged in bloody gunbattles during their deployment in foreign war zones, it’s not surprising for some veterans to suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can be classified as either mild or severe. Mild injuries are typically characterized by a brief loss of consciousness, while severe forms of TBI are associated with longer periods of unconsciousness and memory loss.
This injury not only adversely affects one’s cognitive functions but can also cause damage physically and psychologically. These include the following:
- Headaches
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty recalling things
- Inability to concentrate
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty speaking
- Poor decision-making
- Blurry eyesight
- Changes in smell or taste
- Getting agitated easily
- Sleeping problems
- Mood swings
- Seizures or convulsions
- Nausea or vomiting
- Mental health issues
In general, about 15% of adults who are 60 and above suffer from a mental disorder. For both veterans and non-veterans, depression ranks as the most common type of mental problem. Unfortunately, it is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Since depression can be a side effect of certain health conditions, it can be managed effectively when these conditions are treated.
Apart from depression, elderly veterans are also at a greater risk of manic-depressive disorder, suicide, alcohol-related problems, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These disorders can be treated with therapy, medication, and social support.
- Sensory impairment
It’s not unusual for ex-military members to develop hearing and vision impairments, especially those who have been diagnosed with TBI. While they can acquire these problems before hitting their 60s, risks are higher among the elderly population. The good news is that these can be easily treated with hearing aids and glasses.
- Arthritis
Half a million Americans aged 65 and older have arthritis, with osteoarthritis as the most common form, and rheumatoid arthritis coming in second. People who have been diagnosed with arthritis experience pain and swelling in their joints, making it hard for them to move freely. Elderly veterans with service-connected disabilities may need to seek additional help.
- Malnutrition
Many elderly veterans suffer from malnutrition due to dementia (forgetting to eat), alcoholism, depression, dietary restrictions, or poverty. Leaving it untreated eventually leads to muscle weakness and poor immune system. Fortunately, there are now plenty of food services available to older Americans who don’t have enough money, as well as those who are no longer able to prepare their own meals.
Show Our Heroes You Care
Photo by Levent Simsek under Pexels License
Tired of keeping an old van that you no longer find useful? You can use it to help disadvantaged vets in your community. Simply donate it to us at Veteran Car Donations.
We have been working for years to support the needs of our nation’s heroes who are living lives they do not deserve. These are the veterans who are suffering from homelessness, poverty, unemployment, mental disorders, and service-connected disabilities.
Our job is to raise funds for military and veteran nonprofit organizations that cater to needy veterans. We do this by selling the vehicles donated to us through auctions.
By donating your unwanted vehicle to us, you’ll give your community’s struggling veterans great opportunities to experience normal life once again. The proceeds from your car’s sale will be used by our nonprofit partners to sustain their delivery of vital programs and services to their veteran beneficiaries. These services include free health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, and psychotherapy services.
Expect a tax-deductible sales receipt in your mailbox within 30 days after your donated car is sold. You will need it to claim your tax deduction in the next tax-filing season. For more information about it, you may check out this post.
As for your vehicle’s pickup and towing, you don’t have to worry at all about looking for an affordable towing company. We’ll gladly haul your car away for free. We can do this wherever you’re located in the country since we have services in all 50 states.
If you have concerns or questions for us, feel free to reach us at 877-594-5822. You may also leave us a message here and we will get to you as soon as we can.
Spread Happiness Today!
Let’s work together to change the lives of our struggling veterans. Start the donation process by calling us at 877-594-5822 or by filling out our online donation form. We’re excited to hear from you.
Last Updated: August 24th, 2023