Common Surgeries for Older Adults

As adults age through the stages of life, there are without a doubt many changes that you will go through. Your body and capabilities will change over time, and your needs may become more complex, which can include surgery becoming a necessity. All surgeries, no matter how nominally minor, come with an amount of risk, but what are the exact risks? Which surgeries are more risky than others, and which surgeries are going to be more likely to become necessary?

Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery for seniors, and the procedure lasts around 20 minutes. The healing process, however, will possibly take as long as several weeks. Cataracts can lead to blurred vision and possibly even the total loss of vision if left untreated. The procedure of cataract surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens of the eye by the surgeon, and the replacement of it with an artificial lens.

Another common surgery many seniors will experience is a hip replacement, which involves removing a diseased or damaged hip joint, and replacing it with an artificial one. This surgery is common for seniors with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or hips that are irreparably damaged  due to fractures.

Surgery is difficult for anyone, and older adults may require extra assistance. There are many ways you can help your loved one heal after undergoing a procedure. For one, you can keep your home safe by removing tripping hazards so they have an easier time navigating. Another thing you can do is make sure to keep them fed and hydrated with food they can easily swallow and digest.