Health Complications in Seniors Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Senior Health Health Complications in Seniors By Dr. Robert ButlerReviewed: May 29, 2009Fact-CheckedQ1. My husband's scalp, forehead, and some other parts of his body itch all the time. He has seen his primary-care doctor, who ran blood tests and then sent him to a dermatologist. Both told him that at 75 years old, it was an age-related issue and that he had to just "live with it." He has tried everything on the market to no avail. Can you help, or does he have to live with it? All help is appreciated. — June, Nevada As people get older, their skin can certainly become drier and more prone to itching. But that doesn't mean that your husband — or anyone else, for that matter — should have to live with constant itchiness. Since your husband has already seen his primary-care doctor to rule out any health conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, that could cause skin irritation and itching — and if he has not started any new medications that might have brought on the issue — I'd suggest that your husband begin to make some lifestyle changes that can help reduce the itching. The first thing I'd suggest is that he take fewer showers or baths throughout the week and spend less time under the hot water when he does bathe, because that can bring on itchiness. I'd also recommend that he not wash his hair as frequently and that he use a moisturizing shampoo when he does. It's important that people prone to skin irritation and itchiness use a body moisturizing oil like olive oil right after they get out of the shower or bath. Ideally, this moisturizer should be applied while the skin is still wet to lock in moisture. Your husband can pat his skin dry after applying the moisturizer. Between baths, I'd recommend using the oil at least once a day. Quite possibly Neutrogena (a light sesame formula) would be ideal for your husband's skin. A qualified dermatologist can make further recommendations to help reduce the itchiness. Good luck! Q2. My grandmother is 81 and has been healthy all her life. The only reason she has ever been hospitalized was for a broken leg. That was until a couple of months ago, when she started to feel like she can't catch her breath. The doctors say it's just old age, but she can't even walk now because of it, and she has lost so much weight. The doctors put her on Xanax, but all that does is put her to sleep. I am so scared that we are going to lose her if we can't find out what the problem is. What do you think? — Michelle, Kentucky Many lay people and, unfortunately, even many doctors, attribute to aging much that has nothing to do with aging at all. Rather, a number of health conditions and problems are the result of a disease process, social isolation, other social problems, and/or personality issues and not aging per se. In the case of your grandmother, she most likely would have benefited from active rehabilitation — although you don't say how old she was when she broke her leg — that is, physical therapy as part of recovery from her fracture. The onset of breathing difficulty is a concern: It could be caused by a number of underlying problems and should not be dismissed as a sign of old age. She could have a heart or lung condition that is amenable to treatment. One of the most common causes for admission of elderly persons to the hospital is congestive heart failure, which could account for her symptoms. Clearly, it is important that she be seen by a doctor who takes her seriously and evaluates her for a variety of conditions and who will not write her situation off as being part of "old age." Xanax is a tranquilizer, which makes patients, especially the elderly, lethargic. It does not contribute to what would be best for her in terms of keeping her active. Do see another physician for a second opinion as soon as possible. Learn more in the Everyday Health Senior Health Center. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Senior Health Most Antibiotics Prescribed to Older Adults Are Unnecessary Many people prescribed antibiotics in the U.S. don’t need them, and a study suggests this is particularly true for Black and Hispanic individuals.By Lisa RapaportApril 28, 2022 Smoking Speeds Cognitive Decline in Seniors Study WarnsNew research shows cause and effect in aging Americans.By Carmen ChaiFebruary 9, 2022 Experiencing a Higher Level of Fatigue May Predict Death in Older AdultsStudy finds older people reporting feeling run down were more likely to die within the following 3 years.By Becky UphamJanuary 28, 2022 How Much Does Life Alert Cost Review and ComparisonsLife Alert is a well-known medical alert system brand, but how much does it actually cost? Learn more about the system’s pricing and features and compare...By Jennifer Walker-JourneyJanuary 12, 2022 Life Alert Reviews Prices and MoreInterested in a Life Alert system? We did the research and read through Life Alert reviews to help you determine whether the service is right for you....By Kristen FischerNovember 8, 2021 Best Medical Alert Systems for 2022Medical alert systems are wearable devices that contain a call button. In the event of an emergency, such as chest pain or a fall, the wearer can press...By Corey WhelanOctober 4, 2021 Medical Guardian Review 2022Medical Guardian home and mobile medical alert systems provide 24/7 emergency monitoring. Find out whether Medical Guardian is the right choice for you...By Hannah SherkSeptember 16, 2021 Medical Alert Review 2022 Models Prices and MoreMedical Alert is one of the biggest and best-rated producers of medical alert systems. This review covers its prices, pros and cons, and the most important...By Hannah SherkSeptember 8, 2021 Bay Alarm Medical Reviews Pros and Cons 2022 The Bay Alarm Medical alert system stays competitive with in-demand features and low prices. But is it worth your money? Weigh the pros and cons, pricing...By Shannon CuthrellAugust 7, 2021 Want to Take Care of Your Brain Take a WalkNew research suggests walking can promote positive changes in white matter in older adults.By Becky UphamJuly 19, 2021 MORE IN What Is Bakuchiol Skin-Care Benefits Side Effects How to Use It and More Life Hacks to Manage Hypothyroidism Symptoms What Is Alzheimer s Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention