Senior Health Issues And How To Manage Them

Senior Health Issues And How To Manage Them

As you age, many things change with respect to your body and your health. These five common health issues are fairly prevalent among the senior population. Knowledge is power, and by learning more about them, you may be able to take steps to improve your health going forward.

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is surprisingly common, particularly among people sixty-five years of age or older. In fact, nearly half of all people in the aforementioned age group deal with arthritis, which commonly causes pain and can lead to a decreased quality of life. If you are diagnosed with arthritis, staying active can help. Speak to your doctor about steps you can take to help mitigate the issues associated with the disease.

2. Heart Disease

Heart disease kills more people over the age of sixty-five than any other disease. Nearly half a million people died from it in 2014 alone. Heart disease is more common in men, but women can be affected as well. Getting older comes with a host of issues, like high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both of which make heart disease and stroke more likely. Eating well and staying active help, as does making sure you get to sleep each night. These tips can not only help you avoid heart disease but can help you stay healthier overall.

3. Cancer

Following right behind heart disease as the leading killer among seniors is cancer. Just over 400,000 people died from it in 2014. Cancer is often treatable when caught early enough, which is why screens like skin checks, colonoscopies and mammograms are so important. You may not be able to stop yourself from getting cancer, but you can make it easier to live with the disease. Talk to your doctor and find out what you can do during treatment to increase your odds of successfully entering remission. Maintaining a positive attitude, getting enough rest and eating well all certainly help the process.

4. Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases also cause many health issues for seniors. Women are affected a little more than men. Asthma and chronic bronchitis or emphysema are the most common chronic lower respiratory diseases. When you have a respiratory disease, you are more likely to come down with an infection, like pneumonia. However, there are ways you can stay healthy even if you are diagnosed with one of these diseases. For example, taking your medication according to the directions, periodically having lung function tests, and using oxygen when you need it are all important and will help improve your quality of life. Fans of oxygen bars tout the benefits of oxygen as decreasing stress, enhancing energy, ameliorating the effects of hangovers, headaches, and sinus problems. In addition, they help to relax the body.

5. Alzheimer's Disease

Just over ten percent of people that are age 65 or older have Alzheimer's disease. It is not easy to diagnose Alzheimer's, which means there may be more people living with it than we realize. In general, cognitive impairment is something that senior citizens need to be aware of, as it has a huge impact on the way they live their lives. For example, a senior with Alzheimer's may not be able to safely care for himself. That is where a facility like Assisting Hands Home Care comes into play. While Alzheimer's is a progressive disease without a cure, there are a few steps you can take to manage your health if you receive a diagnosis. Do your research and put a plan of care into place before you are unable to make decisions on your own behalf. Find a friend or a loved one that you are comfortable with who can make medical decisions for you one day. Speak to your doctor to find out how else you can be proactive about your condition.