Common Health Issues Among The Elderly

Getting old sucks, but the only certainty to life is death.  There’s no stopping the aging process, to spite the constant effort among many to try, but people do live longer today than they ever have before.  Due to advancements in health and nutrition sciences, we now have the tools to take better care of our bodies.

Though you may take excellent care of your body throughout the years, there are still many common health problems faced by people over the age of sixty-five.  Take a quick moment to read through a brief summary, highlighting some of the most common health issues among the elderly in the United States.

Osteoporosis in geriatrics

Osteoporosis is most commonly an issue for females in their later years, but men are not exempt from the possibility.  Osteoporosis is a condition that occurs when your body is no longer making enough new bone to maintain the proper density of a healthy bone structure.

In response, bones become very brittle.  Even the smallest of bumps can cause damage.  The risk of falling and breaking something vital becomes more realistic.  The National Osteoporosis Foundation has stated that over 50 million Americans over the age of 50 are affected by the diagnosis of Osteoporosis.

Arthritis causes debilitating pain

Arthritis is one of the most common issues faced by people considered to be senior citizens.  Almost half of all Americans over the age of 65 are affected by the pain of arthritis.

Arthritis can make any physical activity tougher, because the inflammation associated with the condition can be very painful.  It is important to find a way to stay active.  Work with your physician to create a personalized plan for activity.

Heart disease should always be on your radar

Heart disease has held the title of leading killer of adults over the age of 65 for many years.  As the body grows older, it becomes more important to stay on top of your heart health.

Risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can fly under your medical radar without regular visits to your doctor.  A stronger health conscience is best applied earlier in life, but it’s never too late to change your dietary nutrition.

Alzheimer’s is a rugged path

Alzheimer’s disease is a rough path to travel, making it super important that you take care of your brain throughout life.  The cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s is a slow and emotionally painful process to experience for the patient and all those close to them.

Take the necessary steps to avoid this diagnosis later in life by living a healthy lifestyle.  Eating foods rich in Omega-3’s and taking a daily multivitamin are two ways to start living better today.