Common diseases at elderly stage
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- Mar 15, 2019
- 2 min read
Outsmart Your Age
Let us know what are the common chronic diseases that can affect elderly?
High Blood Pressure
Blood vessels become less flexible as we get older and that put extra pressure on your vessels to pup more blood and this can explain why most adults have high blood pressure. You can still control this condition by watch your weight, exercise, stop smoking and find ways to deal with stress, and eat healthy.
Diabetes
You can have high risk of getting diabetes at age 45 and it can be serious. It can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and other problems. Talk with your doctor about having your blood sugar checked.
Heart Disease
Build-up of plaque is the major cause for heart disease. It can start with childhood and continue until you are 45-50 of age.
Obesity
Obesity is liked not only to excess weight but too many chronic diseases so you need to watch your weight and start your weight loss plan.
Osteoarthritis
Genetics factors and lifestyle in addition to previous joint injuries, a lack of physical activity, diabetes, and being overweight play a role in developing joint arthritis but it is mainly due to the wear and tear of age.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is affecting more women above the age 50 and it is mainly occurring after menopause. It is due mainly to bones loss that is not replaced by new one. A couple of things that can help: a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D (you need both for strong bones) and regular weight-bearing exercise, like dancing, jogging, or climbing stairs.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
This causes inflammation and blocks air from your lungs. It’s a slow-moving disease that you could have for years without knowing it -- symptoms usually show up in your 40s or 50s. It can make you have trouble breathing, and you may cough, wheeze, and spit up mucus. Exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoke and pollution can help.
Hearing Loss
Loud noise, disease and genes all play a role in hearing loss. Some medications may affect your hearing ability so consult your doctor if you have a problem in hearing.
Vision Problems
Cataracts (which cloud the lens of your eye) and glaucoma (a group of eye conditions that damage your optic nerve) can harm your eyesight. See your eye doctor for regular exams.
Bladder Problems
Bladder problems can be caused by nerve problems, muscle weakness, thickening tissue, or an enlarged prostate. You need to have exercise, healthy eating, drinking less caffeine and don’t carry heavy weights in order to protect your bladder.
Cancer
Age is a common factor contributing to the developing of cancer disease. It is mainly occurring at age 45-54 as you cannot control your gens but still you can control your lifestyle factor.
Depression
People at age 40-60 have higher risk of depression due to diseases or even they lost someone they loved.
Back Pain
Back pain may be due to many contributing factors like: being overweight, smoking, not getting enough exercise, or diseases like arthritis and cancer. Watch your weight, exercise, and get plenty of vitamin D and calcium to keep your bones strong.
Dementia
Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia that usually occur at age 65. Having heart-healthy diet in addition to controlled blood pressure and sugar can be helpful in protecting your overall health.
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