Healthy Aging: Warning Signs and When to Get Help
Warning signs in older adults that need prompt attention: falls, sudden hearing or vision change, unexplained weight loss, swallowing trouble, medicine reactions and isolation.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Urgent help first
This page is educational and cannot diagnose. If someone may be in danger, use your local emergency number (in the United States, 911).- After a fall: get emergency help if the person may have injured the head, back, neck or hip, or cannot get up. Do not try to lift them yourself; keep them comfortable and warm. [1]
- Sudden hearing loss: NIA says sudden deafness should be considered a medical emergency and to see a doctor immediately. [2]
- Thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis: in the United States, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), free and open 24/7. Loneliness and isolation are associated with depression. [3]
Signs to raise with a clinician soon
| Sign | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Losing weight without trying | NIA says sudden, unintended weight loss can be a sign of a serious medical problem such as cancer, gastrointestinal disorders or some neurological diseases. [4] MedlinePlus defines it as a loss of 10 pounds or 5% of normal body weight over 6 to 12 months or less without a known reason. [5] | See a doctor; see appetite changes and unintended weight loss. |
| A fall, or new unsteadiness | Falls can reveal a new medical problem, medication issue or eyesight problem; tell your doctor about any fall, even without pain. [6] | See falls and balance problems. |
| Getting weaker, slower, or more worn out | These are features linked with sarcopenia and frailty, but have many possible causes. [6] [7] | See frailty and sarcopenia. |
| Difficulty swallowing | Swallowing problems can lead to weight loss, dehydration and repeated chest infections. [8] | NHS advises an urgent GP appointment or urgent advice if there is difficulty swallowing, choking or coughing when eating or drinking, or shortness of breath after eating or drinking; a speech and language therapist or dietitian may help. [8] |
| Hearing or vision changes | Hearing loss can contribute to withdrawal and social isolation; [2] NHS says AMD can worsen gradually over years and then quickly over weeks or months. [9] | Book hearing and eye exams; see hearing and vision changes. |
| Memory or thinking changes | Hearing loss and other conditions can affect cognition. [2] | See Memory and Focus: when to get help. |
| Poor sleep or always feeling sleepy | NIA says to talk with a doctor if you are always sleepy or find it hard to get enough sleep. [10] | See sleep and memory changes with age. |
| Dizziness, confusion or other changes after a new medicine or supplement | Some medicines cause dizziness or confusion, which raises fall risk. [6] | Call your prescriber or pharmacist; do not stop prescribed medicines without advice. See multiple medicines and supplement burden. |
| Feeling lonely or isolated much of the time | NIA suggests telling your doctor if you feel lonely or isolated a lot of the time. [3] | See social connection and loneliness. |
| A broken bone from a minor fall | Osteoporosis often causes no symptoms until a bone breaks. [11] | See osteoporosis and bone health. |
Before using any supplement
Check with your doctor first if you are unwell, take prescription drugs, or have kidney problems; see Natural Remedy Safety: older adults and medication interactions. Supplements are not a substitute for evaluating these signs. [12]How to prepare for a visit
NIA suggests being open and honest about your health habits and what is happening in your life, and sharing physical, emotional and mental symptoms. [3] Bring your list of medicines and supplements. [13] See talking with a health professional.Frequently asked questions
Is weight loss a normal part of aging?
Some people lose weight unintentionally for reasons such as less appetite or pain when chewing, but sudden unintended weight loss can signal a serious problem and should be checked. [4]
Should I see a doctor after a fall even if I am not hurt?
NIA says to tell your doctor about any fall since your last check-up, even without pain. [6]
What counts as an emergency?
Examples in the sources: a fall with possible head, back, neck or hip injury or inability to get up, and sudden hearing loss. [1] [2]
References
- NHS. Falls. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute on Aging. Hearing loss: a common problem for older adults. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute on Aging. Loneliness and social isolation: tips for staying connected. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute on Aging. Maintaining a healthy weight. Read 2026-10-22.
- MedlinePlus. Weight loss - unintentional. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute on Aging. Falls and fractures in older adults: causes and prevention. Read 2026-10-22.
- Towards a unified and standardized definition of the frailty phenotype (PMC10871844). Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS. Dysphagia (swallowing problems). Read 2026-10-22.
- NHS. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute on Aging. Sleep and older adults. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Osteoporosis. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute on Aging. Dietary supplements for older adults. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Institute on Aging. Taking medicines safely as you age. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.