Common Health Concerns for Seniors and How to Manage Them
Aging is a natural part of life. However, getting older has a number of challenges and many of the concerns are health-related. By being aware of common conditions, both the aging individual and their caregivers can fight back against chronic conditions that cause significant discomfort and pose danger as a person ages.
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Senior Years
Today, people live longer than ever before, especially with the advances in health care. The average life expectancy is 19.3 years longer than has ever been documented in recordable history. Unfortunately, this means longer senior years, and not longer youthful years. Taking steps early can dramatically improve the quality of these years.
Arthritis
Arthritis affects approximately 49.7 percent of people over the age of 65. This condition leads to chronic pain and reduced quality of life. There are a number of remedies available to treat the condition, including over-the-counter remedies like Wonder Pain Relief, which is increasing in popularity.
If you or your loved one has any symptoms of arthritis, talk to a doctor to ensure that it is not a progressive type and that over-the-counter remedies do not interact with any current medications.
Heart Disease
The CDC announced that heart disease is the leading killer of people over the age of 65. This is because many of the contributing factors for heart disease are prominent in people who are aging. These factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and inactivity. By following the advice of regular physicians, taking medication as prescribed, and participating in regular physical activity, as tolerated, you can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Respiratory Disease
The older portion of the population is at a greater risk for developing diseases that affect the lower portion of the respiratory system. Diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are very common in the aging population. Respiratory diseases include:
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Pneumonia
Lung infections are also more common in aging adults as well and can lead to chronic conditions that are difficult to manage over time.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a serious problem in the aging population. It not only takes away a person’s happiness, it takes away their ability to thrive, and eventually their life. By seeking a professional opinion at the first sign of cognitive impairment, the effects suffered from Alzheimer’s disease can be greatly reduced. Alzheimer’s disease causes a lot of problems for those affected, including the inability to care for ones’ self, reduced self-care, and increased cost of living due to the need for a monitored residential living facility.
There are also a number of things you can do to decrease the risk of developing the condition, including mental exercises to keep your brain healthy.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the density fo an aging person’s bones. The primary risk associated with it is that decreased bone density makes breaking bones extremely easy. Since balance issues are also a sign of aging, the risk of fracture is so much higher in individuals who suffer from osteoporosis.
Being bedridden due to a fall or break also increases the risk of developing respiratory conditions and heart disease, so you can see how this could easily become a revolving cycle of poor and failing health.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious problem among aging individuals. It is currently estimated that 25 percent of people over the age of 65 suffer from diabetes or prediabetes. The condition, and the risks associated with it, can be greatly reduced by having regular blood work and ensuring that you follow a healthy diet and receive the proper nutrition.
If you or your loved one are unable to cook meals that are healthy, there are a lot of community resources that assist older individuals in making healthy meals, and that deliver healthy meals directly to homes.
While it is not possible to avoid all of the issues associated with aging, it is possible to treat the conditions, and reduce the risks associated with having them. Keep regular appointments and follow through with your doctor’s recommendations, exercise regularly, keep your mind active, and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to achieve the best possible health for your age. If you are unable to meet your everyday needs, contact local community agencies or your Medicare supplement plans 2020 to offer help to aging individuals.
