As people get older, health issues bring special challenges. But, when steps are taken to stay healthier and manage chronic conditions associated with aging, a person can feel better and be more active as they age. In the United States, the number of people over the age of 65 is projected to double by 2060. It will be more and more important to help older adults live with age-associated diseases and stay active and healthy.
Four Chronic Conditions Associated With Aging
Almost 67% of deaths among older adults are caused by these four conditions or diseases:
- Cancer
- Heart disease or cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
- Stroke
- Diabetes
These and other chronic diseases may cause another condition called Dysphagia which is a swallowing disorder. This difficulty in swallowing can affect as many as one in twenty-five adults each year. There are products to add to liquids to make swallowing easier and safer. Facebook posts from SimplyThick are one way to learn about a product that can be helpful.
There are other chronic health conditions that affect quality of life without causing death. A person can have more than one chronic condition to deal with. Regular health checkups and some lifestyle changes can help a person age in a more healthy way. Healthy lifestyle choices can include quitting smoking, managing weight, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol intake.
Aging adults can have one or more of these conditions in addition to the above four diseases:
- Respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, and other chronic respiratory diseases
- Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Depression
- Arthritis
- Pneumonia and influenza
- Shingles
- Hearing impairment
Modern medicine has treatments for most of these conditions. Having a good physician can make a huge difference in the physical well-being of a person. Medically managing any of the common diseases and conditions can make a difference in the comfort level and overall health of an older person. Proper health care can help a senior person stay more active and control conditions that might have been fatal in the past.
A person with heart disease can be monitored and take medication such as blood pressure and cholesterol pills to control those conditions. There are operations to correct many heart conditions and there are even heart transplants.
Cancer treatment and prevention have improved greatly in the last few decades. Many forms of cancer that were fatal in the past can now be treated with medications to give the patients years longer to live. Cancer surgery and post-operation treatment have improved and saved many lives. Cancer screening tests catch cancers at an earlier stage when they are most treatable.
Diabetes medications and treatment have improved greatly and new legislation has made the diabetes medications that save lives more affordable. When diabetes is diagnosed early with blood tests, it can be prevented or managed more effectively. Weight loss, diet changes, and increased exercise have all been found to help keep diabetes at bay.
There is even hope for stroke victims. Signs that warn of a possible stroke have been identified. If a stroke is identified and treated early, the damage can be limited. Treatment and rehabilitation after a stroke allow patients to recover more fully.
America is aging and senior citizens are living longer with a better quality of life. It has been found that healthy lifestyles beginning in early childhood can lead to a better quality of life as one ages.