Chronic diseases persist for a long time (sometimes permanently) and require regular medical attention. This is particularly true for elderly patients who are simultaneously managing several chronic illnesses.
With an increasing number of adults experiencing age-related changes, geriatric care is becoming an even more important requirement. Managing chronic conditions can be challenging for older patients without the support of a healthcare team.
This is the continued list after the first part of our blog series. Here are some of the most common health problems in the elderly that, if not addressed in time, can put a strain on seniors, caregivers, and the overall healthcare system.
1. Depression
A common mood disorder that can be harmful to health is depression. Loneliness, isolation, loss of loved ones, financial struggle, fear of death or dying, chronic health issues, and a diminished feeling of purpose brought on by significant life changes, such as retirement, are risk factors for depression in older adults.
Exercising and staying active is a great way to stay away from depression. The benefits of exercise extend beyond the health of your body; it can also help you overcome depression, anxiety, and stress. Exercise promotes a variety of positive effects in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that enhance feelings of calm and wellness.
2. Hearing loss
There are several different reasons that hearing loss may occur as you age. Certain conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular problems, may cause changes to your hearing ability. Head and brain injuries, tumors, certain viruses and bacteria, and even heavy-duty medications can affect hearing as well.
Hearing loss can also be hereditary. However, it’s common for seniors to experience hearing loss due to the common changes within the inner ear and auditory nerves. Age-related hearing loss usually affects both ears, and it happens gradually.
To cope with age-related hearing loss, spend less time in noisy environments. In noisy situations, you should always wear hearing protection. If you use foam plugs, make sure you put them in properly. Keep the volume from audio devices within acceptable limits and only listen in quiet settings. If you feel that you would benefit from a hearing aid, talk to your primary care doctor.
3. Stroke
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. When the brain’s essential blood supply is interrupted by a clot or ruptures, a stroke takes place. This can result in permanent impairment, the death of brain cells, and can even be fatal. Older adults are more likely than younger adults to experience strokes. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, so you can get help immediately. Living a healthy lifestyle is one of the major ways you can prevent stroke.
4. High blood pressure
A person’s blood pressure is the amount of pressure their heart and arteries experience when being pumped by their hearts. Although it normally tends to increase with age, it is lower when you are sleeping or at rest and greater when you are agitated or excited. Your kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and other body systems may suffer damage from persistently high levels of blood pressure.
It usually takes a long time for high blood pressure to develop. A lack of regular physical activity, stress, or heredity, for instance, can contribute to it. Blood pressure can be managed by eating a less salty diet, moving frequently, and using medications.
5. Falls
Each year, older persons report having around 36 million falls, which cause more than 32,000 deaths. Approximately 3 million senior citizens need emergency room care each year for injuries sustained in falls. Every fifth fall results in an injury, such as a head injury or broken bones. Check out these 9 ways to prevent falls in the elderly.
6. Vision problems
Common eye diseases concerning older adults include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. You may develop a number of eye diseases after the age of 60 that can permanently affect your vision. Early detection and treatment of these problems are key to preserving good vision.
The symptoms of most eye diseases are not evident at the beginning. It may take a long time for you to notice changes in your vision because they may develop painlessly. Maintaining good eye health and vision as you age can be significantly improved by making smart lifestyle choices, having regular eye exams, and identifying health problems early.
7. Diabetes
Diabetes can occur in middle age, and occasionally even earlier. Managing it is a lifelong condition. This condition is caused by the body not being able to produce enough insulin for its normal functions.
Type II diabetes is the most prevalent form of the disease. When the pancreas is unable to produce the necessary quantity of insulin, this occurs. Changes in lifestyle can lower a person’s risk of getting diabetes. Controlling blood sugar through diet, oral medications, or insulin is the main treatment. Regular screening for complications is also required.
Key Takeaway
The challenges of aging health in the elderly can be reduced by adopting healthy lifestyle choices. Here is the list of lifestyle changes seniors can adopt in order to age in a healthy fashion.
If you are looking for the best primary doctors in Florida, please know that we have some of the best geriatric primary care physicians of Florida working on our team. Get personalized care from the trained professionals at our center near you. Call +1 888-596-2090 to schedule an appointment.
