It has been reported that anemia occurs in close to 35% of the elderly population between the ages of 60-79, and up to 45% by the age of 80 or older. The so-called anemia is actually mainly caused by the decrease of red blood cells and hemoglobin (Hb) content in the blood. Iron deficiency anemia is anemia that occurs when the body’s stored iron is depleted and cannot meet the needs of normal red blood cell production. It is a small cell hypochromic anemia. The stage before the appearance of anemia is called iron deficiency. Iron is an essential trace element in the human body, which not only participates in the synthesis of hemoglobin, but also in some biochemical processes in the body. Therefore, when anemia occurs, in addition to the symptoms of anemia, there will be some symptoms related to iron deficiency. 1. Definition and causes of iron deficiency anemia in the elderly Iron is one of the important raw materials for Hb synthesis, when the body lacks iron, it will affect the synthesis of Hb and lead to anemia. The amount in the body of normal adults (elderly people refer to adults) is 3-5 grams. The reason why the elderly are anemic is firstly related to the decline of hematopoietic function, which is caused by age and is a natural phenomenon; in addition, the most common nutritional anemia in the elderly, that is, iron deficiency anemia, is mainly due to the poor teeth and chewing ability of the elderly, coupled with poor digestion and absorption, and many elderly people have various chronic diseases, which restrict many foods, especially meat, which is rich in iron and vitamin B12 which happens to be the main raw material for hematopoiesis, causing insufficient intake; if elderly people have frequent blood loss, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding hemorrhoids, or even serious diseases like cancer, they will often lose red blood cells, resulting in insufficient endogenous iron. Therefore, it is important to find out the reason behind the anemia to see if it is a common nutritional anemia or a hidden more serious malignant disease. 2.Iron deficiency anemia prevention and control measures for the elderly Iron mainly comes from meat, liver, fish in food and iron pots in tableware. Iron in plant food is more difficult to absorb than iron in animal food. Meat and acidic drugs such as vitamin C can promote the absorption of iron, while on the contrary salts that can combine with iron, such as vegetable salts and phosphates, can reduce the absorption of iron. In order to promote the absorption of iron, attention should be paid to eating some acidic foods, such as tomatoes, sour dates, sour cucumbers, acidic fruits, etc., less strong tea, coffee, eggs, milk and antacid drugs can interfere with the absorption and utilization of iron. Actively identify the cause of the disease, while treating the cause, appropriate iron supplements. Ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate and ferrous gluconate are often used. Iron supplements can be taken during or after meals to reduce their side effects, while vitamin C is taken to promote iron absorption. Only when serious for intestinal reactions and can not tolerate oral iron, or chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea, gastrointestinal surgery affect the absorption of iron, only consider the injection of iron dextrose and other preparations for treatment. In severe cases, infusion of red blood cell suspension. The above dosage should be applied under the guidance of professional doctors. 3.Living guide for iron deficiency anemia in the elderly The symptoms of anemia in the elderly are often atypical and easily ignored by family members and doctors. Generally speaking, symptoms such as weakness, panic, shortness of breath, precordial pain, dizziness and dizziness should be highly regarded, which will further develop into pallor, stomatitis, tongue inflammation, atrophy of tongue papillae, difficulty in swallowing, dry skin keratinization, hair easily breaking and falling off, nails not shiny and neat, flat nail or anti nail formation, etc. If the above symptoms and diseases appear, you can go to the hospital in time to have a simple blood test, and if it is anemia, you need to follow the medical advice for relevant treatment. It is known that dietary supplements can play a role in both replenishing nutrition and improving anemia. You should pay attention to a diet rich in vitamin C and iron-rich foods. It should be reminded that the iron content in supplements such as gum is not enough, and medication is also needed to supplement and treat primary diseases such as chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, bronchial dilation, cancer, inflammation of the urinary tract, vaginal inflammation and bleeding. Pay attention to bleeding induced by medications such as aspirin, and discontinue such medications in time for detection and early discontinuation.