Every stage in our lives since birth has its particular needs. As you grow older, you experience several changes, either in your career or by losing your dear ones. You may also notice new grey hairs and wrinkles, but you need to be aware that these changes are happening throughout your entire body too. These changes need to be handled wisely in order to lead a high quality life.
Hereunder some of the most common age-related health problems and how to overcome them:
- Heart Disease
As you age, living with risk factors, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure increases, and the chances of developing a stroke or heart disease increases accordingly. As a chronic condition, heart disease affects 37% men and 26% females aging 65+ years, according to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. Addressing the factors of this disease by exercising, eating well and having good night’s rest can help improve your health and weight.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the diseases that can be identified with a simple blood test for levels of blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25% of people aging 65+ years are living with diabetes. It is one of the diseases that could be more difficult to be controlled while aging. One main reason for this is the increase of insulin resistance and the decrease of glucose tolerance with age. At the time you identify you have or are at risk for diabetes, you need to address and control it immediately by monitoring your blood glucose levels, minding your medicine, eating right, and staying physically active.
- Depression
Depression is a major threat to your overall health. It can decrease your immunity and make your body more vulnerable to major diseases. You need to address depression immediately by consulting a physician, interact more socially, and do some exercise.
- Respiratory Diseases
According to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, 10% of men and 11–13% of women aging 65+ years are living with asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Chronic respiratory disease makes you more vulnerable to pneumonia and increases other senior health risks. You need to have lung function tests and take the correct medication to preserve the quality of your life.
- Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory and thinking skills, and the diagnosis of the disease is challenging. About 11% of people aging 65+ years have Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association reports. This disease is complex; thus maintaining mental function and managing behavioral symptoms are among the current approaches that can slow or delay the disease symptoms.
In order to age well, you can:
- Engage in routine preventive health behaviors, such as getting vaccinated against flu and pneumonia.
- Exercise daily, even moderately, as it helps you stay active and maintain a good mood.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and monitor any changes in your functions, such as your hearing, vision or flexibility.
- Avoid anxiousness and seek medical assistance for treating mental problems.
- Engage in something that matters to you, and care passionately about it, and be aware of new developments in arts, science or any other cultural or social interests.
It is never too late to maintain your health and view major benefits. Enjoy your life to the maximum, whatever your age!
References
helpguide.org
healthinaging.org
apa.org
diabetesselfmanagement.com