Common Health Issues That Pose a Greater Risk as You Age

by Jessica Merrel Writer

Getting older also brings with it senior health challenges. It’s true that Americans are living longer and in better health than ever before, but along with an average lifespan- 85.5 for women and 83 for men- also comes a unique set of health concerns specific to older adults. By being aware of these common health conditions, you can take appropriate measures to stave off disease as you age.

No matter your age, the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices are second to none, even more for those 65 and older. Eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, engaging in physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight will help you age disease free. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you can make it to 65, you can add another 19.3 years to your life, on average. Isn’t it fascinating, and why only live the longest life possible – you want to/must enjoy the quality of your golden years, too. For many, then, senior living includes efficiently managing chronic conditions in order to keep oneself in great shape, far away from all possible diseases. The key to doing this is by being aware of common health concerns that pose a greater risk as you grow old so that you can work with your doctor to manage them.

We are listing some of the most common health issues for people aged 60 and over:

Heart Disease- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America that raises the risk for life-threatening cardiac emergencies, such as a cardiac arrest or heart attack. Heart disease develops in 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women 65 and older, with the major risk factors being high blood pressure and high cholesterol that increase the chance of a stroke or heart attack. The best way to prevent this chronic condition from taking you in its grip is by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits into your daily routine like eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Cognitive Health Issues- In the United States, about 11 percent of people over 65 have Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia and attacks memory, behavior, and thinking. The symptoms worsen with the progression of the disease, making it difficult for sufferers to perform even the most basic tasks, such as brushing teeth, dressing up, etc. Regular exercise, social interaction, healthy diet, mental stimulation, quality sleep, and stress management holds the key to preventing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia. According to the CDC, it's the fifth leading killer of seniors in America.

Arthritis- Arthritis goes beyond being just nagging joint pain, the condition can be crippling. It is probably the number one condition that seniors aged 65 or older contend with, with one in four Americans suffering from severe joint damage caused by the condition. Osteoarthritis is the most common form, followed by gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Staying active is an important part of staying healthy as you age, and symptoms of arthritis stands in the way of being active. The best way to deal with this health issue is by working with your health care provider to chart out a personalized plan of gentle activities to manage pain and reap the benefits of exercise.

Diabetes- The American Diabetes Association estimates that one in four people over the age of 60 has diabetes. Early detection is the key. The sooner you detect that you have or are at risk for diabetes, the sooner you can start making changes to keep the disease in check and improve your long-term senior health outlook. Stay on top of your health by being on top of your annual wellness visits for blood tests, so that diabetes can be identified and addressed early. Make the necessary lifestyle changes as recommended by your doctor.

Falls- Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults, with the risk for both fatal and non-fatal falls increasing with age. In fact, 25% of people ages 65 and over suffer from a serious fall every year requiring emergency room care. Most falls occur at home, where tripping hazards include area rugs and slippery bathroom floors. It is important that an older adult receives treatment right away for any injuries post a fall. It is equally important for one to take part in a physical therapy program designed to focus on balance re-training to reduce such incidences of falls.

Other common health concerns for seniors:

1.   Influenza and pneumonia

2.   Osteoporosis

3.   Respiratory illness

4.   Obesity

5.   Eyesight issues

6.   Cancer

7.   High blood pressure

8.   Depression

9.   Oral Health

10.Shingles

11.Septicemia (Blood Infections)

12.Kidney disease

13.Cerebrovascular Diseases (Stroke)

It’s advisable that you consult with an acclaimed senior home care Charlotte NC advisor or home care agency before entrusting the responsibility of your senior loved one with someone.

For more info, check out: https://www.arogahomecare.com

 

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Created on Aug 20th 2020 08:56. Viewed 273 times.

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