Health Issues That May Feel Embarrassing — But Shouldn’t

Nothing is off-limits when it comes to your health, so don’t let embarrassment keep you from getting the care you need

From time to time, you may have health issues that feel a little embarrassing. As a result, we might shy away from sharing them with anyone — even our health care providers. But a failure to address sensitive concerns today can lead to bigger health problems in the future.

Below are a few common health issues that older adults are often reluctant to bring up. Whether you’re dealing with something on this list or another health issue that you’ve been keeping quiet about, remember these three truths:

Countless people are dealing with the same thing
Health care providers have heard it before
You deserve to get the help you need

1. Urinary Incontinence

Why it happens
Both men and women can experience a leakage of urine for a variety of reasons. For women, weakened pelvic muscles from childbirth could be one cause. Another potential — and common — cause is menopause and its physical effects on the body. For men, an enlarged prostate or prostate surgery can lead to urinary incontinence. Obesity, urinary tract infections, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis are also potential risk factors.

What to do about it
Tell your provider about any changes you’ve noticed in your bladder control. Talking openly and honestly helps your care team gain a more complete picture of your overall well-being. They can help you manage the condition by recommending treatment options including bladder training exercises, medication or surgery.

Think you might have urinary incontinence? In the chart below, check any boxes in the Symptoms column that apply to you. You can print the chart and show it to your provider to help start the conversation and begin a path toward an improved quality of life.

*If you’ve checked boxes in different rows, you may have mixed incontinence — a combination of more than one type. This is common, and your provider can help you explore treatment options.

Click here to print this checklist and bring it with you to your next doctor appointment

2. Loss of Stamina

Why it happens
The loss of strength and stamina as we age is partly caused by a lack of physical activity. Unfortunately, less than 15% of Americans age 65 years and older get the recommended amount of physical activity (150 minutes each week).

What to do about it
Talk honestly with your provider about your daily physical activity. Remember that everything from walking to the mailbox to cleaning the house counts as physical activity. So start thinking more in terms of “movement” rather than traditional exercise. Even 10-minute bursts of movement help challenge your muscles. This could be taking the stairs, pulling some weeds, walking the dog and so on.

Bonus: You’ll likely experience both physical and mental improvements as a result of any movement you do.

3. Falling and Balance Issues

Why it happens
The chance of falling increases with age. This may be caused by physical changes, health conditions or medications. But falling doesn’t have to be part of aging.

What to do about it
Tell your provider about any:

Falls you’ve had within the past 12 months (or since your last visit)
Increase in tripping or stumbling
Changes you’ve noticed in your ability to balance
Hearing-loss issues you’ve experienced, as hearing issues can result in dizziness

Your provider may check to see if there have been changes in your vision or hearing. They also might suggest that you use a cane or walker, make dietary changes, or start an exercise or physical therapy program. The bottom line is that your providers want you to keep moving safely. Limited activity can lead to physical decline and increased feelings of depression and anxiety.

4. Constipation

Why it happens
A number of things can wreak havoc on your body’s ability to have a healthy bowel movement, including:

Lack of physical movement
Not getting enough fluids
Stress
Side effects of some medications

_

What to do about it
As with the other issues on this list, constipation is worth mentioning to your provider, who may run a few tests. They might also take a look at your list of medications and ask about your daily lifestyle. Other simple steps you can take include drinking more water, eating more fiber- and probiotic-dense foods, and decreasing the amount of dairy in your diet.

5. Feeling Depressed

Why it happens
Depression has many possible causes. These can include genetics, stressful life events, faulty mood regulation in the brain, medications, seasonal changes, medical problems and chemical imbalances. Feeling sad or blue or having other burdensome emotions can be difficult to talk about. Perhaps we don’t want people to think something is wrong with us. We may think the feelings will pass with time. Or we simply aren’t comfortable sharing our feelings with others.

We need to remember that depression is a common concern for many — we are not alone in experiencing it. But, while common, depression shouldn’t be a standard part of aging.

What to do about it
Your emotional and mental health play an important part in many aspects of your life, so be sure to talk with your provider about how you are feeling emotionally. They may ask if your emotional issues have interfered with your work, relationships, regular daily activities and other interests.

Share feelings of sadness, fatigue, grumpiness and irritability, as well as if you’re having trouble sleeping. These can all be symptoms of depression.

Once your provider understands what you’re experiencing emotionally, they can recommend treatments to get you on a path to better mental health. Treatments may include therapy, medication, dietary changes, positivity exercises (think journaling), calm breathing or meditation. According to the National Institute on Aging, most people begin to feel better with treatment. “Expect your mood to improve slowly. Feeling better takes time, but it can happen.”

6. Memory Loss

Why it happens
Some memory loss as we age is expected, but when does it signal something more? The majority of people are at their strongest cognitive abilities in their late 20s. “After that, most of us begin to notice some changes in our thinking and memory,” says Keith Fargo, PhD, director of Scientific Initiatives at the Lewy Body Dementia Association. While many people find these brain changes unsettling, it’s important to remember that they’re normal. There’s even a name for it: age-related cognitive decline. It can include things like forgetting names, misplacing objects or having trouble coming up with the right word — but remembering later.

Alzheimer’s and dementia, on the other hand, impact the brain and body differently than everyday forgetfulness.

So how can you tell the difference? “The key point is whether or not there’s a significant impact on what we call your activities of daily living,” says Dr. Fargo. “These are things like feeding yourself, handling money, taking your own medications, driving to the grocery store and being able to grocery shop.”

What to do about it
Check in with your doctor if you notice memory loss or other cognitive symptoms, whether they seem normal or not. Common early warning signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia include:

Memory loss that disrupts your daily life
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time or place
Trouble understanding visual images
New problems with words or speaking
Changes in mood or personality

You’ll also want to mention any untreated hearing loss, which has been associated with a greater risk of dementia.

And remember, foggy thinking or memory lapses don’t automatically mean brain disease. Treatable and reversible causes could include sleep apnea, vitamin deficiencies and even depression.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, talk to your provider about treatment options.

True or False: Memory

Test your knowledge of how memory works with this quick true-or-false quiz

< Previous story__ |__ Next story >

Table of Contents

This publication is for informational purposes only and does not replace the care or advice of a doctor. Always talk with a doctor before beginning any exercise program, therapy or medication. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. UnitedHealthcare does not provide any assurances nor accept any responsibility or liability regarding the quality, nutritional value, or safety of the included recipes.