No doubt about it: the population of older adults is rapidly increasing. Unfortunately, as more seniors face health problems that reduce quality of life, more are facing issues that threaten their well-being.
There’s no doubt that, with proper information and preventive measures in place, people can remain healthy throughout their senior years. Gaining knowledge of common health challenges will enable seniors and their families to make the best choices for their wellbeing.
Many senior health issues are related to lifestyle. Poor diet and lack of physical activity, smoking and obesity all increase a person’s blood pressure and can clog arteries, while increasing risks such as pneumonia or flu.
Cognitive health is also a priority among seniors, including memory issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Such conditions may impair a person’s ability to function, necessitating residential care such as in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Insurance plays an essential role in how an individual ages. Medicare and private insurers often provide long-term care programs and other services for people whose health has worsened, making the transition much smoother.
Cancer is a significant health concern among seniors and is one of the primary causes of mortality for those over 65. Although cancer cannot be completely avoided, steps can be taken to lower its risk by attending regular screenings, eating nutritiously and staying physically active.
Seniors are especially susceptible to infections like influenza and pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. Their immune systems weaken as they age, making them more vulnerable against these illnesses than before. Luckily, there are vaccines to protect them.
Respiratory illnesses are also a major threat for seniors, caused by smoking or secondhand smoke exposure. Seniors frequently develop lung conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis; vaccines or other medication may help prevent or reduce symptoms – though in rare cases this could prove fatal.
Assembling a comprehensive healthcare team is crucial to senior wellness, and should include geriatricians – specialists in meeting the unique medical needs of older adults – is also key. Geriatricians can assist seniors in managing chronic conditions as well as assess risks for certain illnesses and provide advice regarding medications or therapies that could maximize effectiveness. Preventative measures, such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight can help decrease likelihood of health concerns; those who take these actions tend to fall within 41 percent of people over age 65 who report good or excellent health status.
