GLOBAL HEALTH AGING

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 65-and-older population is growing faster than any other age group. By 2030 of all Americans, it’ll be the third largest group after Millennials and Gen Xers. In other words, seniors are becoming a more significant part of our society. They also lead more active lives and adopt healthier habits than previous generations did at their age. As we grow older, our risk of developing certain diseases also grows. Seniors are prone to developing arthritis, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s, among other conditions. Fortunately, most of these aren’t fatal and can easily be identified with early detection and treatment before they become life-threatening or disabling.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the most common health condition in seniors, with an estimated 50%-70% of all people older than 65 living with some form of it. There are many different types of arthritis, and it can affect other joints in the body. However, the most common form in seniors is osteoarthritis, typically occurring in joints like the knees, hips, and spine. Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness. It occurs when the cartilage protecting the joints wears down, allowing bones to rub against each other and causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can be caused by various factors, including genetics, joint injury (from sports or work), excessive weight, aging, and certain diseases. Arthritis can make daily tasks difficult, like getting dressed or combing your hair. It can also impact social activities, work, and travel. While there’s no cure for arthritis, there are a variety of treatments and self-help strategies that can ease the pain and help you stay active.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become fragile and break easily. This happens because the body is not replacing the broken-down bone tissue as quickly as it should. Osteoporosis most commonly occurs in the hips, spine, and wrists. Most people develop osteoporosis after menopause, when estrogen levels decrease, allowing the body to reabsorb the broken-down bone tissue at a higher rate. Osteoporosis can be diagnosed with a blood test. It can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. If left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to broken bones due to a fall, resulting in an inability to move freely.

Vision Loss

As you age, you are more at risk for developing cataracts and macular degeneration, which are common eye conditions affecting seniors. Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens and the leading cause of blindness among adults over 40. It can occur in one or both eyes and can be treated with surgery or glasses. Macular degeneration is when the center of the retina (the back of the eye) breaks down. This causes a loss of vision and can lead to blindness. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, various treatments slow down the progression of the disease and help with vision loss. 

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions among seniors. And while it is often associated with getting older, it can affect people of all ages. The most common causes of hearing loss are infections, aging, noise, heredity, and certain illnesses. If you have noticed that your hearing is getting worse, you should visit your doctor and get tested. There are a few types of hearing aids and treatment options available. Hearing aids are small devices that fit in or behind the ear and amplify sounds. Other treatment options can help with hearing loss, including lip-reading classes, speech therapy, and cochlear implants. 

Dementia And Mental Decline

As we age, it is normal to experience a decline in mental function. However, certain diseases can accelerate this process, resulting in dementia and other mental illnesses. Most seniors will experience some form of cognitive decline, but it is necessary to distinguish between normal aging and dementia. There are a few things to look out for. These include difficulty remembering recent events, misplacing items, and forgetting people’s names. If you notice these signs in an elderly loved one, you should consult a doctor. Several diseases can cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s, stroke, and diabetes. There are various treatments for dementia, depending on the cause. You can also help prevent mental decline by staying physically active, eating healthy, and staying socially engaged.

High Cholesterol

Most people know that high cholesterol leads to an increased risk of heart disease. But most seniors aren’t aware that a blood test can determine their risk of heart attack and stroke. Most people should begin to be screened for cholesterol when they are in their twenties and continue through their fifties. If you are over 55, your cholesterol levels should be checked at least once every five years. Cholesterol is a fat (lipid) found in the blood. The liver produces it. There are two types of cholesterol: bad and good. A healthy level of cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL. If you have high cholesterol, there are a few ways to treat it. Medications can help lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Other ways to prevent high cholesterol include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.

Skin Conditions

Seniors are more prone to developing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. There are a few risk factors for developing skin conditions later in life. These include family history, ethnicity, weather, and diet. There are many effective ways to treat eczema and various skin conditions, including medications and changes in diet. Different vitamins can help reduce the risk of developing certain skin conditions. These include Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Zinc. Specific nutrients can also help treat skin conditions, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and Vitamin B.

Stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death among seniors. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off. This can be caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a clot in the leg, and certain diseases. Stroke is preventable to a certain extent. People at risk should be getting their blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly. They should also get yearly flu shots, as this can reduce the risk of a stroke during flu season. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, you must call 911 and get them to the hospital as soon as possible. There are a few things you can do to help prevent a stroke. You should quit smoking, lose excess weight, exercise, and eat a healthy diet.

Bottom line

A healthy diet and proper exercise are important factors in staying healthy throughout your golden years. Overall, health conditions are common among seniors and must be treated with care. With appropriate treatment and management, most of these conditions are not fatal and do not have to have a significant impact on seniors’ daily lives.