Diseases transmitted by pests are a major health risk for every age group, but seniors are especially vulnerable because of all their unique physiological changes and living conditions. Our bodies go through natural changes as we age that can diminish our immune response and change our ability to smell and respond to pest infestations. What under normal circumstances may be a moderate health risk for younger people can result in life-threatening medical complications for older adults.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults 65 and over make up a disproportionately large share of hospitalizations because of vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease. The more we understand these vulnerabilities, the more we take the first step toward developing protection strategies to ensure the safety of our senior population. The first step? Talk to Exterminator Services in Vancouver the moment you spot signs of infestation.
What Makes Older-Aged People More Prone To Pest Diseases?
The weakening of the immune response is the leading cause of their susceptibility to pest-borne diseases.
As we get older, our immune systems naturally become less effective at staving off infections And pathogens. The elderly may encounter worse symptoms and complications than younger adults when they come into contact with disease-bearing pests, such as types of rodents or even mosquitoes. Older adults are also at increased risk for inflammation and tissue injury, resulting in older folks generally taking longer to recover from infections and requiring hospitalization for infections that younger adults might be able to treat at home.
Age-related factors contribute to this vulnerability. Seniors are more prone to thinner, less firm skin, which makes it easier for biting insects to pierce it. Most older adults also have reduced sensation, so they may not become aware of pest bites or infestations until after an infection has occurred. Chronic health conditions common among seniors, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory issues, can also amplify the effects of pest-borne illnesses and make treatment more difficult, he added.
Some elderly people might also face mobility issues that prevent them from maintaining their homes as they should, creating an environment conducive to the presence of pests. This vulnerability and this cocktail of all these environmental agents is an explosion of health problems for older populations.
How To Protect Older-Aged People From Pest Diseases?
1.Home Maintenance Strategies
Routine home maintenance is the first line of defense against pests. Caulk and seal cracks in your foundation, walls, and around windows to remove entry points for insects and rodents. Repairing leaky pipes and faucets removes moisture that lures pests. For older adults with limited mobility, scheduling regular inspections by a professional can help identify and resolve potential issues before they become troublesome. Family members or caregivers should assist in the upkeep of the home’s exterior as well, such as trimming grass and removing debris that could attract pests.
1. Personal Protection Measures
Personal protection methods play a key role in reducing the risk of pest-transmitted infections. When outside, seniors should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially during the times when mosquitoes are most active, such as dawn and dusk. Нoarding or using EPA-approved insect repellents can give extra protection. Wearing light-colored clothing makes identifying ticks before they attach themselves easier. Following an outdoor excursion, seniors or their caregivers should perform thorough body checks for ticks, particularly in hard-to-see areas.
1.Professional support and community support
You can engage professional pest control services on a quarterly basis for preventive treatment (look for technicians who are trained to deal with senior-specific concerns). A coordinating pest management (CPM) program within a community tends to lead to fewer vector-borne disease cases among those of older age.
For independent living seniors, a medical alert system can offer quick access to assistance should they show symptoms of pest-borne illness. The elderly get regular checkups from family members or community services, which also help eliminate any pest problems or health concerns before they lead to a serious situation.
