When we think of allergies, we often picture kids sneezing their way through spring or peanut allergies discovered in paediatrician’s offices. But the truth is, allergies can pop up at any stage of life, even in our 60s, 70s, and beyond. In fact, it’s not unusual for older adults to suddenly find themselves reacting to things they’ve tolerated for decades. The tricky part is that the symptoms aren’t always obvious and can easily be mistaken for other age-related issues, such as colds, skin conditions, or side effects of medication.
In this blog, we’ll unpack some of the more common (and surprising) allergies in older adults, explain why they happen, and share practical tips to help you recognise and manage them effectively.
What Is an Allergy?
An allergy occurs when an individual’s immune system mistakenly identifies a foreign substance (allergen) that has entered the body (either through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) as a threat and overreacts to it, triggering an allergic response. Depending on the individual’s sensitivity and the type of allergen, allergic reactions can range from mild to more severe symptoms.
Mild symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Mild skin rashes or hives
More severe symptoms include:
- Severe chest tightness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Anaphylaxis (less a symptom, more an allergic response)
- Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, cramping, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Constricted airways leading to difficulty breathing, swallowing, or shortness of breath
Understanding Allergies in Elderly Adults
It might come as a surprise, but developing allergies isn’t just something that happens in childhood. In fact, it’s pretty common for people to experience new allergies later in life. You may be wondering why this is the case. Well, as we grow older, our bodies and immune systems undergo changes that can cause us to react differently to things around us, sometimes to things we used to be able to tolerate.
- Our immune system changes as we age. It can slow down and get a little confused, sometimes overreacting to harmless things like pollen or certain foods, even if they never bothered us before.
- Years of ongoing exposure to everyday allergens can also lead to the development of sensitivities over time, or existing ones becoming more noticeable.
- As we age, we often take more medications to maintain our health. While these are important, they can sometimes interact with or make the immune system more sensitive, which may lead to new or unexpected allergic reactions to medications or everyday substances.
- Ageing skin is more delicate. Thinner, more sensitive skin makes older adults more prone to things like rashes, dryness, or irritation from products they’ve used for years without a problem.
- Health issues can exacerbate existing allergies. Conditions such as asthma or chronic respiratory issues can exacerbate allergy symptoms and make them more challenging to manage.
Common Allergies in Seniors
Now that we’ve covered what allergies are and how new ones can develop later in life, let’s take a look at the most common types affecting seniors and how to manage them. Some of the most common allergies that impact elderly adults include:
Seasonal Allergies (Pollen & Dust Mites)
As we’ve mentioned, our immune systems tend to weaken as we age. But what you may not know is that anatomical changes also occur in our nose, the older we get, which can impact proper airflow and lead to increased dryness. Both of these factors impair our body’s ability to defend against common allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, often leading to more frequent or severe allergy symptoms later in life.
Many seniors mistake these allergy symptoms for common colds and, in turn, miss out on the benefits of cheap, effective allergy medicine or treatments that could ease their discomfort.
Mould Allergies
Any individual who is exposed to large amounts of mould for a prolonged period will likely experience a variety of symptoms that mimic the common cold, such as sneezing, congestion, and more.
However, for elderly individuals, the presence of mould in their living spaces can pose serious health risks, ranging from asthma attacks to the onset of bronchitis and a bunch of other unwelcome, chronic flu-like symptoms. This is because, as we get older, not only does our immune system weaken, but our respiratory system also becomes less resilient, making it easier for irritants like mould spores to cause problems.
To reduce the risk of mould-related health issues, it’s important for seniors to keep their living spaces dry (ideal indoor humidity is between 30% and 50%) and to ensure proper ventilation to promote good air circulation. Some simple strategies to help with this include investing in a good-quality dehumidifier, regularly opening windows to let fresh air in, and using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
Food Allergies
We think it’s important here to differentiate between a food intolerance and a food allergy. The main difference (aside from the cause) is the symptoms and how the body responds. While a food intolerance, such as lactose, typically causes digestive issues like bloating, gas, stomach cramps, or diarrhoea, a food allergy involves the immune system and can trigger a much faster and potentially more serious response, like hives, breathing difficulties, or even anaphylaxis.
Some common food allergies in older adults include:
- Fish & Shellfish
- Peanuts & Tree Nuts
- Dairy
- Wheat
- Soy
The most common method of treating a food allergy in elderly individuals is actually avoidance of the troublesome food or food group. However, if a mild reaction does occur, over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Telfast, or Claratyne can help ease those uncomfortable symptoms. For individuals with severe allergies, carrying an EpiPen is crucial, as it can rapidly halt a life-threatening reaction, such as anaphylaxis, while awaiting emergency medical assistance.
Medication Allergies
Drug allergies occur when the body mistakes the drug as a threat. Unlike common drug side effects, these allergies trigger unpredictable immune responses that can range from mild to severe.
But why does this happen, particularly in older individuals? The truth is that some people are genetically predisposed to allergies. Still, a common culprit is something we call cross-reactivity, which occurs when the immune system reacts to a drug because it’s structurally similar to another substance to which it’s already sensitive. And because older individuals often take multiple medications at once, the risk that one drug may interact with another and trigger an allergic reaction is greater.
Common medication allergies amongst elderly individuals include:
- Antibiotics (like penicillin)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen & naproxen)
- Sulfa medications
- Antiseizure medications
- Chemotherapy medications
It’s important to inform the doctor of the current medications you’re/they’re on, as well as any past drug allergies or sensitivities, even ones from years ago, so they can choose a safer alternative.
Skin Allergies (like eczema or contact dermatitis)
As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and more sensitive, making it more prone to irritation. Things like soaps, lotions, jewellery, or even certain fabrics (even those you have used before) can cause unwanted redness, itching, or dry patches. Eczema flare-ups may also become more frequent, so it’s helpful to use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products and keep your skin moisturised.
Pet Allergies
Pets bring so much joy, companionship, and comfort, especially as we get older. But for some seniors, the love of furry friends can come with an unwelcome downside: pet allergies. These allergies aren’t caused by the fur itself but by proteins found in pet dander. When these allergens become airborne, they can easily be inhaled and trigger allergic reactions.
The good news is you don’t have to choose between your health and your furry friend. Here are some simple steps that can help reduce pet allergy symptoms:
- Regular cleaning around the house
- Bathe and groom pets regularly
- Use air purifiers
At The Village Retirement Group, we care about the health and well-being of all our residents. Our team is always here to offer support, answer questions, and help create a safe, comfortable environment for everyone. If you’d like to know more about how we support our residents, feel free to get in touch; we’re always happy to chat.
