Seniors are an essential part of any society. It’s estimated that there are about 56 million seniors in the United States, which is rapidly increasing. However, these seniors face many problems, especially concerning their bodies.
As you age, your body changes in a variety of ways. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the common diseases and health conditions senior citizens face so that you can take the necessary precautions. Here are some of the most common diseases and health issues seniors experience.
Arthritis
One of the most common diseases that seniors face is arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one-third of adults aged 65 years or older have arthritis, with women being more likely to suffer from it than men.
The causes of arthritis vary, but it typically involves the breakdown of cartilage between joints. This can lead to swelling and pain, which can become severe enough to prevent daily activities or cause depression in some cases. Thankfully, there are some treatment options for arthritis. Here are two of the most common:
Physical Therapy
When it comes to treating arthritis, physical therapy is one of the best options. A physical therapist will help you improve your strength and flexibility. This can reduce pain and improve overall mobility, so it’s well worth considering if you’re experiencing arthritis symptoms.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be used in addition to physical therapy. There are both prescription and over-the-counter medicines that can help relieve the pain associated with arthritis. Talk to your doctor to see which options are best for you.
Heart Disease
Seniors commonly experience heart disease due to its high prevalence among older adults. Heart disease is responsible for 1 in 4 deaths among adults over 65 in the United States each year, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Heart disease can be caused by various factors, including high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking habits, obesity, family history, and even stress. Unfortunately, there are no real treatments that can deal with heart disease aside from surgery. However, there are some ways to prevent it. Here are two of the most common ways to prevent heart disease.
Lifestyle Changes
One of the best ways to prevent heart disease is to make healthy lifestyle choices. This includes quitting smoking, eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising enough, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Medication
If you have risk factors for heart disease or already have some signs, talk to your doctor about taking medication to help prevent it. Medications are often used along with lifestyle changes to maximize their effectiveness.
Periodontal Disease
As people age, they produce less saliva, which can lead to the development of periodontal disease. This serious condition can cause tooth loss and even increase your risk for heart disease if left untreated.
Several ways to treat and prevent periodontal disease include regular brushing and flossing. However, if a senior already has the disease and has lost teeth, they’ll need to get implants.
Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile. They’re also one of the most durable options, as they can last a lifetime with proper care. However, if you don’t want to wait too long for your implants, consider getting affordable same-day dental implants. This allows you to get your implants immediately after diagnosis, making them more cost-effective than other implants.
Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of symptoms related to memory loss or cognitive decline. At the same time, Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia that affects brain cells over time, leading to memory loss and other severe mental impairments.
These conditions are becoming increasingly more common among elderly individuals, with approximately 5 million Americans currently suffering from Alzheimer’s, according to AARP. Early diagnosis is vital when managing dementia or Alzheimer’s since treatment options are limited once symptoms become too severe. Treatments may include medications and lifestyle changes such as social activities or cognitive exercises explicitly designed for those suffering from these conditions.
As you age, it becomes increasingly important to stay informed about potential health risks so that you can take the proper precautions if needed. These are just some examples of the common diseases & health conditions faced by aging seniors today – all requiring different treatments depending on individual circumstances. Knowing what kind of prevention methods are available can help you protect yourself & your loved ones from these potentially devastating illnesses & keep them healthy for years to come!
