Common Health Issues in Elderly

1. Diabetes

Numerous older adults are affected by diabetes and Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of illness in older people. Significant diabetes risk factors include age, overweight and having a family history.

Prevention of Diabetes

Even if you have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, certain lifestyle adjustments like reducing weight and increasing your physical activity can help prevent or delay the disease. Following below measures can also help you lead a diabetic-free life.

• Maintain healthy weight

• Eat healthy plant based foods & include healthy fat in your diet

• Skip fad diets and make healthier choices

• Monitor your blood sugar levels & take medications as prescribed by your doctor

2. Arthritis

Swelling and pain in joints are the symptoms of arthritis and these symptoms often worsen with age. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two most prevalent kinds of arthritis.

Prevention of Arthritis

Follow the below-given steps to prevent arthritis.

• Stay at a healthy weight

• Exercise

• Control your blood sugar

• Avoid injury

• Quit smoking

• Eat fish twice a week

3. Heart Diseases

Most heart diseases are caused due to the accumulation of fatty deposits or plaques in the walls of the coronary arteries. This can lead to significant changes in the heart and blood vessels thereby increasing the risk of developing heart diseases in elderly.

Prevention of heart diseases

The following are the ways to prevent heart diseases.

• Be more physically active

• Quit smoking & consumption of alcohol

• Follow a heart-healthy diet

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Manage stress and get adequate rest

4. Respiratory diseases

Ageing related changes can affect the lung tissues resulting in increased risk of developing various respiratory diseases. Some examples of common respiratory-related elderly health problems include asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and COPD.

Prevention of respiratory diseases

Following are the ways to prevent respiratory diseases.

• Quit smoking

• Minimise exposure to air pollution

• Get regular check-ups

• Exercise

5. Cancer

Cancer is the most affected disease in older people and those with cancer or ones who have survived cancer tend to be older than 65. This is due to the impact of ageing.

Prevention of Cancer

Following are the methods to prevent cancer from affecting the elderly.

• Don’t use tobacco

• Eat a healthy diet

• Be physically active

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Protect yourself from the sun

• Get vaccinated

• Avoid risky behaviours

• Get regular medical care

6. Depression

Mental illnesses like depression co-occur with various medical conditions and disabilities which are experienced by elderly people. Heart disorders and illness-related death is associated with depression in older persons.

Prevention of depression

Following below measures can help you lessen the risk of developing depression.

• Get enough sleep

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet

• Practice frequent self-care techniques like yoga, meditation and exercise.

7. Alzheimer’s Disease

This is a degenerative neurologic condition which results in the death of brain cells. It is also one of the most frequent causes of dementia. This disease is commonly seen among senior citizens. It is gradual, starting with mild memory loss, potentially progressing to loss of communication and environmental awareness.

Prevention of Alzheimer’s diseases

The following are the ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

• No smoking

• Keeping alcohol to a minimum.

• Eating a healthy and balanced diet.

8. Oral Health

The quality of life, general health and well-being of older adults are significantly influenced by oral health. Older people frequently have oral cancer, tooth loss, dental caries, periodontitis, dry mouth and other oral health issues.

Prevention of oral health problems

Following are the ways to prevent oral health problems.

• Maintain your brushing and flossing habits

• Consume more fibre and less sugar