Common Health Issues in Older Age

While there are many common health issues in older age, there are some common ones that tend to get worse as we age. These include Obesity, Arthritis, Diabetes, and Respiratory diseases. Read on to find out more about some of the most common ailments associated with older age. Here are some of the most common health issues in older age. You may also want to consider getting regular checkups to keep up with any changes in your body.

Obesity

Many chronic conditions associated with aging make physical activity difficult or impossible to do, and wilmacliving.com state that making obesity a major health concern for the elderly. Additionally, obese older adults are more likely to have severe disabilities or need assistance to perform basic tasks. As a result, they are at a higher risk for chronic illness and depression. Obesity is a major concern for the elderly, and it’s not just in the US.

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Diabetes

There are many common health problems experienced by the aging population. Many are preventable, and families can play a vital role in encouraging their senior loved ones to remain healthy. Some of these common health problems include high blood pressure, arthritis, and dementia. Here are some of the most common problems experienced by older adults. These conditions can be dangerous and are often difficult to treat. For more information, visit the CDC’s website.

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Arthritis

Although arthritis is a common health problem in older age, it is not a normal part of aging. Nearly 60 million adults in the United States have some form of arthritis. By 2040, that number will have increased to 80 million people. Arthritis affects about half of people over the age of 65. The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Respiratory diseases

As the population ages, respiratory diseases tend to increase in prevalence. Patients often present with a wide range of symptoms. Common non-pulmonary diseases like asthma are also a cause of respiratory symptoms. These diseases can be compounded by the physiologic changes of aging, which affect lung function and response to treatment. The morbidity rate of these diseases also increases with age. Therefore, understanding respiratory diseases in older adults is critical to optimizing patient outcomes.

Depression

Treatment for depression varies from person to person, and may include psychotherapy and medications. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for older adults to help regulate their mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also available for the treatment of moderate to severe depression. Both of these medications should be prescribed by a mental health professional who can monitor side effects and possible drug interactions. Psychotherapy may also be recommended to help combat the social stigma of depression in older people.

Low back pain

The most common cause of low back pain is muscle strain or spasm. Pain is relieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as acetaminophen, gabapentin, or pregabalin. These drugs are also effective in reducing fever and reducing inflammation. However, some people have experienced side effects from these drugs, including habituation and constipation.

Cardiovascular disease

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among U.S. adults has increased over the past decades. The number of adults aged 65 and older has grown from 5.8 million in 2010 to nearly 19 million by 2050. In addition, the incidence of CVD in older adults increases by more than 70 percent. This article outlines how to prevent CVD. Cardiovascular disease can cause a range of problems, including heart failure, stroke, and diabetes.