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Common Health Issues For Women Age 65 & Older

As you get older, body undergoes various physiological and psychological changes which affect the quality of life in older women making them prone to several non-communicable diseases and other health issues as well.

Health Issues Associated with Old Age

They are:

1. Heart disease

Ageing may lead to weight gain and high blood pressure, which results in fat deposition in the blood vessels and sometimes even lead to heart diseases. Poor intake of food, lack of exercise, obesity, and an unhealthy lifestyle can increase the possibility of developing heart diseases as well. With regular exercise and certain diet modification like decrease in daily salt intake may prevent heart diseases and stroke in older women.

2. Arthritis and other bone-related problems

This health condition is largely found in older women which affects their daily movement and quality of life. Arthritis may lead to joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation of joints. Intake of vitamin D and calcium-rich foods, sunbath and simple exercises may help in old age health problems.

3. Diabetes

This is a lifestyle-related disease which can cause damage to the kidney and heart in long term. Obesity management, regular exercising, and consumption of a low-fat diet is the key to managing diabetes.

4. Cancer

Risk and chances of developing common cancers such as cancer of breast, cervix, colon, ovary, and pancreas increases as a woman ages. Weight management, reducing intake of red meat and regular exercising can help older women fight these old age health problems.

5. Chronic constipation

Lack of regular exercising and low intake of fibre rich food may lead to this old age health problem in a woman which may give rise to other serious health concerns like chronic stomach pain, nausea, and indigestion.

6. Dehydration

Intake of sufficient amount of water in old age is essential as it helps to maintain body's electrolyte balance. When dehydrated, it may cause UTI, or kidney failure in older women.

7. Insomnia

Older women encounter this issue more often which in future may lead to depression and memory loss.

8. Diseases related to Mental Health

Poor mental health in older women sometimes leads to various old age health problems like dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease. Dementia may cause loss of memory, inability to express, depression, anxiety, inappropriate behaviour, hallucinations, etc. Alzheimer's disease is a certain type of dementia, where older women may not remember certain things, people, places, mood swings, judgments are impaired, and difficulty in movement. Parkinson's disease is also another form of dementia characterized by involuntary movements of body parts. The doctor will suggest a treatment plan basis the symptom diagnosis and by conducting certain examination.

Conclusion

The immune system generally declines with age resulting in various health concerns in older women. Following integrated health care regime and including basic changes in your day to day lifestyle can help improve your physical and psychological well-being and keep the above mentioned health issues at bay.

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Source: Belvedere, WebMD, Metropolis India, Keystone Health

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on January 23, 2023