Common Health Issues for Seniors

​People today have longer life spans than ever. Once you hit 65, you might live another 20 years. For many people, that means carefully managing any chronic conditions in an effort to remain healthy. Here’s a quick look at a few of the more common health issues facing today’s seniors.

​Respiratory Diseases

​COPD and other chronic lower respiratory diseases are very common, and many of them need to be treated with oxygen therapy. People deal with issues like asthma, and many have emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Even though having one of these issues increases health risks for seniors, making them more susceptible to things like pneumonia and other types of infections, taking the right medication and taking lung function tests, or even using your oxygen as you’re supposed to can go a long way when it comes to preserving both your health and your quality of life.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that can contribute to you becoming less and less mobile and even potentially disabled in the event that you fall or fracture a bone or as the vertebral bodies themselves collapse. Millions of Americans over the age of 50 are affected by this condition, which puts them at risk for broken bones that can lead to deteriorating health and reduced quality of life. That number is steadily rising.

​Arthritis

​When it comes to health issues dealt with by people aged 65 or older, arthritis is probably among the most common. This is yet another painful condition that can lower the quality of life for those who suffer from it. Even though this condition can discourage people from being too active, it’s critical to work together with your doctor in order to come up with a personalized plan of activity that can help when it comes to maintaining health.

​Heart Disease

​In terms of conditions that are suffered by aging people, heart disease is one of the leading killers. This is a chronic condition that affects millions of people over the age of 65. As we get older, we increasingly live with a variety of risk factors that can include things like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These not only increase our risk of heart disease but also our risk of strokes. Addressing this particular health risk will also improve overall health. Make sure that you get a good night’s sleep, eat well, and exercise.

Cancer

People of all ages live with cancer. If it’s caught soon enough through a variety of screenings, such as skin checks, colonoscopies, and mammograms, many forms of cancer are able to be treated. Even though it isn’t always something that can be prevented, your quality of life as a cancer patient can still improve if you work closely with your health care specialists and maintain their recommendations for healthy living.

​Shingles

​Remember when you were a kid and had chickenpox? It can return in the form of shingles when you get older. Many people over the age of 60 contract shingles each year and about half of us will get it before we hit 80. Typically, it will only affect a single side of the body. It begins with severe tingling or pain before developing into quite an itchy rash that can blister. That being said, there is a shingles vaccine, so if possible, you should get it.

There are quite a few health issues that seniors deal with, and many of them can even affect you before your golden years. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, get your regular recommended health screenings, and follow any advice your doctors give you, you can remain healthy for years to come.