What Are The Most Common Health Concerns For Seniors?
Posted by Deb Spinelli on November 26, 2015
Today, we enjoy longer lives than ever before in human history. This is largely due to improved medical care. However, there are certain age-related ailments that appear to go hand in hand with a longer life span. Read on for some common health concerns that affect seniors.
Arthritis. Arthritis is quite possibly the most common health complaint of people 65 or older. In fact, arthritis affects approximately 51% of all adults over age 65. For some seniors, the condition can lead to constant pain and a lower quality of life. Because arthritis can be so painful, it may discourage some seniors from being active. Due to the variety of health threats associated with inactivity, it is important that the arthritis sufferer work with his or her doctor to ensure a treatment plan that includes physical activity.
Heart Disease. The CDC lists heart disease as the leading killer of adults over age 65. Heart disease is more likely to affect men than women: 37% of men and 26% of women over 65 suffer from chronic heart disease. Risk factors, which increase with age, include high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which increase a person's stroke risk as well as the likelihood of heart disease. Fortunately, some common sense lifestyle changes can dramatically decrease the risk of heart disease at any age. A healthy diet, adequate exercise, and getting enough sleep are just a few ways to decrease heart disease risk.
Cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in people over 65. Approximately 28% of men and 21% of women over age 65 are living with cancer. Early detection makes many types of cancers treatable. Mammograms, colonoscopies, and regular skin checks are all recommended to help detect several types of cancer in the early stages. Lifelong healthy living is also a way to prevent many common cancers.
