6 Common Aging Health Issues

Information may not be reliable

Aging puts us at risk of experiencing certain health problems that might be easily neglected. If you’ve started to notice any health issues in your aging parent or a family member, they might be symptoms of a severe health condition.  

Read on to discover six of the most common age-related health concerns.

1. Arthritis 
Nearly 50% of people over the age of 65 have arthritis. This condition can cause recurring pain and impact the quality of life. Arthritis is also the leading cause of disability among seniors. Because of pain and discomfort caused by arthritis, your family member may start to lead a sedentary lifestyle and avoid any pain-causing activity. That’s why it’s essential to work together with a specialist to help manage the symptoms and prevent further injury.

2. Dental health
Improper dental health can cause a major impact on your aging family member’s quality of life. Missing teeth, periodontitis, xerostomia, and sensitive teeth can cause unintentional weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, disturbed sleep, and speech problems. However, there are ways to care for your parent’s teeth. Visit a dental center for regular checkups and cleanings to manage and treat dental diseases. 

3. Diabetes

About 25% of American adults over the age of 65 have diabetes. And nearly 50% of seniors have high blood sugar. The percentage of older people who experience diabetes continues to increase. Diabetes requires essential self-care, which can be hard for seniors to maintain on their own. If you have a parent or an older member of the family who has diabetes, it's essential to overcome both physical and mental barriers to provide the necessary assistance.  

4. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes density and volume loss in bones. This can potentially lead to bone fractures from falling or even sneezing in severe cases. Women typically lose estrogen when they age, which puts them at higher risk of experiencing osteoporosis. It's important to monitor bone loss and density by undergoing annual DEXA bone scans and bone density tests.

5. Cardiovascular disease

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. This disease is often caused by atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, the accumulation of plaque and fatty deposits can cause blockage of the blood arteries. Atherosclerosis is very common in elderly people. Depending on where the buildup is located, it can disturb the blood flow, leading to a heart attack or a stroke. However, cardiovascular disease isn’t a natural feature of the aging process. Eating a healthy diet, giving up bad habits, and staying physically active is essential to prevent heart disease. 

6. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common and potentially dangerous condition in older adults. For people older than 65, the yearly rate of pneumonia is four times higher than younger age groups, with a greater incidence of hospitalization. 

Pneumonia is a severe infection of one or both lungs. This condition can be caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Older people are more likely to have pneumonia due to the predominance of both comorbidity and disability. Other risk factors that can increase the risk of pneumonia include smoking, weakened immune system, diabetes, and obstructive pulmonary disease. 

The bottom line
Don’t let your aging parent suffer from any of the aforementioned conditions. It’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle that involves eating a balanced diet, quitting bad habits, and staying physically active to keep the aging-associated diseases at bay. Also, don’t forget to bring your older family member for regular checkups and tests to your family doctor. And make sure that they are practicing proper brushing hygiene and visit a dental specialist for routine checkups.