6 Most Common Elderly Health Concerns

Aging can cause numerous health problems like back and neck pain, diabetes, hearing loss, and depression. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of all the issues elderly people face. Luckily, there are preventive measures that can help you or your loved one age gracefully.

Keep on reading to learn more about the most common age-related health problems and how to prevent them. 

1. Chronic diseases

Nearly 92% of the elderly people have at least one chronic disease. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, different types of cancer, and diabetes are the most common and hard-to-treat chronic diseases. These diseases are also the leading cause of death and disability in Americans. It’s important to visit a physician for routine checkups once a year to diagnose and treat health problems in their initial stages. Eating healthy foods and staying physically active is also essential to help manage or prevent chronic health problems.    

2. Dental health

Dental health is among the most problematic issues for older people. More than 25% of people aged 65 and older experience tooth loss. Dental issues like cavities and tooth decay can cause nutrition problems and low self-esteem. Dental health problems associated with elderly people are xerostomia, periodontitis, and oral cancer. Regular visits to a dental clinic for routine checkups and cleanings are essential to manage and treat these health conditions. 

3. Sensory loss

Most Americans over the age of 75 experience sensory impairments like visual and hearing impairments. Fortunately, both of these problems can be easily treated by wearing glasses or using hearing implants and aids. With modern technology, aids for hearing and vision loss have become more accessible than ever before.

4. Physical injury

Falling is the leading cause of injury and death among elderly people. Aging causes bones to lose density and muscles to become stiff and weakened. Because of this, older people are prone to lose their balance and get a bruise or fractured bone. Conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis can contribute to bone deterioration. 

5. Mental disorders

More than 15% of American seniors suffer from mental health conditions. Depression is the most common mental condition among elderly people. This condition often stays undiagnosed and untreated. Depression is linked to suicide and seniors account for nearly 18% of suicide deaths in the U. S. Depression usually occurs due to chronic health diseases, so treating those diseases can help. Increasing your quality of life and getting support from relatives, friends, or support groups can also be beneficial to depression treatment.

6. Urinary incontinence and constipation

Bladder control problems and constipation can occur due to aging and can negatively affect seniors’ quality of life. Improper diet and chronic health conditions can contribute to infrequent bowel movements and can cause involuntary leakage of urine. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and exercise to prevent these health problems. 

The bottom line

Ensure graceful aging by preventing and treating dangerous health conditions. Chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer can be successfully treated if diagnosed in time, so make sure to visit a physician for annual checkups. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and staying physically active to prevent falling and conditions like constipation and urinary incontinence. Don’t forget about practicing proper dental hygiene and visiting routine checkups and professional cleanings to preserve the health of your teeth.