As we age, new health concerns arise, and old problems become more difficult to treat. For anyone over the age of 65, health problems are increasing. Given this, seniors need to be aware of their health and when something isn’t quite right, go in for a checkup. In this post, we are going to discuss the top 13 concerns that seniors face.
1.) Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the most common senior health concerns that seniors face. It is the leading cause of death in America. In addition, cardiovascular diseases are often called silent killers because they can show no physical symptoms. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are risk factors for heart disease. Heart attacks are caused by a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle. The arteries to the heart can be blocked, which restricts blood flow to the heart, resulting in the death of some of the muscle cells.
2.) Obesity
The increasing rate of obesity in seniors is a growing concern amongst physicians. Obesity leads to diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Obesity is an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. The key to avoiding obesity is regular exercise and a healthy diet.
3.) Diabetes
Diabetes is another health concern that seniors face. This leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, and limb amputations, diabetes can be controlled through diet and exercise. The key to preventing diabetes is keeping blood sugar levels normal.
It is caused by high blood sugar levels, and when glucose cannot be utilized, it builds up in the blood. In addition, high blood sugar can lead to heart disease and nerve damage. A healthy diet can help prevent diabetes.
4.) Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become brittle and weak. It is a problem for everyone, but especially for women over the age of 50 because that is when estrogen levels begin to decline. The most common symptoms of osteoporosis are bone pain, fractures, and a loss of height.
The easiest way to prevent osteoporosis is by taking calcium every day and exercising. In addition, it is also recommended that you take vitamin D2.
5.) Dementia
Dementia is not a new issue because it has been around for a long time. The issue is how effective are current medications? There are many different types of dementia and many different causes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
The good news is that there are Alzheimer’s medications that have proven to be effective over the years. There are others, however, which have not been approved yet. It is important to remember that this is an issue for which there are currently no cures.
6.) Asthma
Asthma is a common health concern for seniors. Asthma is a disease that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, which reduces oxygen intake. Allergies are a cause of asthma as well as smoking. The usual symptoms of asthma are wheezing, difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest tightness.
Asthma can be avoided by avoiding allergens and smoking. In addition, asthma can be controlled through medications and by exercising.
7.) Mental Illness
Mental health issues are a growing concern for seniors because the age group has increased by 400%. That means there are more seniors with mental illness or mental health issues. One of the issues that are important to note is that according to the American Psychological Association, as many as one in five adults will have experienced a mental health issue sometime in their lifetime.
Many seniors face mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Depression can be controlled by using antidepressants and antipsychotics.
8.) Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Cancer can affect anyone; however, it is most common in older adults. It can be caused by long-term exposure to cancer-causing agents (i.e., smoking, hormones, and radiation). The probability of any illness increases as you age, especially cancer.
Cancer can be deadly, but there are treatments to help fight it, and many people survive cancer. Early detection is key to survival. Cancer screenings are extremely important for seniors.
9.) Shingles
A shingle is a painful rash that occurs after the chickenpox virus reactivates in an older person. Shingles can cause pain, fever, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. In addition, pain radiates across the body and can cause muscle weakness in older persons.
Shingles usually last from three to four weeks and can cause death. Prevention is better than cure. Fortunately, shingles have a vaccine that is recommended for anyone older than 60.
10.) Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common issues that seniors deal with. It can be caused by normal age-related changes in the spine or from a fall or accident. Pain can be caused by muscle strain, arthritis, or spinal stenosis.
Back pain is a common problem that can be treated with ibuprofen and sterile injection. In addition, chiropractor visits, yoga, and exercise are recommended to help deal with lower back pain.
11.) Falls
Falls are a growing problem among seniors. Approximately 2 million people fall each year, resulting in an estimated 200,000 deaths per year. Falls can occur due to low vision and impaired balance. Falling injuries can be fatal, but there are ways to prevent falls in seniors.
Falls can be prevented through education and by staying active as often as possible. In addition, using rails, talking with friends, and traveling with support can help seniors stay safe.
12.) Pneumonia and Influenza
Pneumonia and influenza are common diseases that affect seniors. Influenza is also known as the flu. Pneumonia is caused by an infection in the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe. Pneumonia can be fatal.
Influenza is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. A vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
13.) Arthritis
Arthritis is a common problem for seniors because it is related to aging. Arthritis can be caused by the overuse of joints, genetics, and age. Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and a loss of movement. In addition, several medications help relieve arthritis pain.
Fortunately, there are several ways to decrease your risk of arthritis. Exercise regularly and avoiding injury will help keep your bones healthy and reduce the risk of arthritis. In addition, eating foods that are high in vitamin C will also support healthier bones.
Conclusion
To sum up, seniors have many common health issues and everyday issues that need to be taken care of. It is important to stay healthy throughout your life because older adults are expensive to fix. The best way to prevent disease and injury is through exercise. It’s never too late to get in shape. In addition, it is important to pay attention to your medical needs and schedule regular visits with your doctor. Be aware of the risks and make an effort to keep your immune system strong to avoid illness and disease.