Eighty percent of seniors have two or more chronic medical conditions, and six in ten have three or more. Despite these facts, older people can improve their health and quality of life by controlling their existing medical disorders’ symptoms and lowering their chance of developing new illnesses.
There are common chronic conditions senior citizens often find themselves dealing with, along with other daily struggles such as falls, physical inactivity, dental health issues, and mental health problems, all of which can have a negative influence on quality of life. It’s important to focus on the older generation to ensure they are getting the care they need as they age. Understanding a few of the conditions they deal with can help with this.
Hypertension
Hypertension affects more than half of the people over 65. Often dubbed the “silent killer,” it damages blood vessels and can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. It is essential to maintain a healthy weight and take your medication consistently if you have hypertension. Increasing physical activity and decreasing your stress are also important.
Arthritis
Arthritis is another chronic condition that affects many seniors. This can have a devastating effect as it makes it hard to get around and do some of the normal day-to-day tasks such as opening jars, writing, and walking. You can delay the onset of arthritis by remaining active each day and maintaining a healthy weight.
Coronary Heart Disease
When plaque builds up in the arteries leading to the heart, it is called coronary heart disease. The plaque decreases the amount of blood going to the heart and increases your risk for angina or a heart attack. Reducing stress and ensuring you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep can help decrease your risk of heart disease. You can also increase your heart-healthy chances by steering clear of smoking, eating a healthy diet, and staying active.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is a form of dementia. It is brought on when the brain is harmed by conditions like Alzheimer’s, numerous little strokes, or other trauma. Memory loss and trouble thinking or solving problems are side effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementias that interfere with daily life. You can reduce your risk by keeping active, both physically and mentally. You also need to make sure you get the right amount of sleep and eat a healthy diet.
Summary
There are a variety of chronic conditions that may affect senior citizens. It is vital to maintain appointments with your physician throughout your life, not just as you age. By doing so, you may be able to decrease your risk of these conditions in the long run.
