Staying healthy as you age is vital to ensure that you live well into your golden years. You can slow down the effects of aging on your body by exercising, eating a healthy diet, and taking vitamins and supplements. But it’s also essential to recognize what health issues seniors face and how to treat them to live a happy and fulfilling life. This guide will walk you through common health issues many people face and tips on how to treat them in a way that makes your golden years comfortable and enjoyable!
Chronic Health Conditions
You may also be wondering about specific chronic health conditions that affect seniors and how they might risk overall wellness. A number of medical conditions can affect your quality of life as you age, but there are some proactive steps you can take to mitigate those risks and enjoy a healthy retirement. On average, seniors experience two or three chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, at once. More than half of seniors who suffer from multiple ailments cite managing those issues as their biggest concern. Be sure to ask your physician for recommendations on maintaining good health as you age so that you don’t fall into a pattern of relying solely on prescription drugs to manage your symptoms.
Cognitive Health
Senior health care often focuses on treating common health issues that many families face, such as chronic conditions. Managing these illnesses requires constant attention from those affected and their care providers. In order to effectively manage these conditions, family members need to visit their doctors on a regular basis so that they can work together to treat each condition promptly. It is also important for your loved ones to understand their conditions and how best to handle them while living alone at home. Some of these chronic conditions include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and depression. By keeping a watchful eye over oneself through healthy eating and exercise habits, one can reduce their risk of developing one or more of these diseases.
Mental Health
There’s no way around it. Growing old comes with plenty of physical health problems. But many are also more likely to deal with mental health issues, like depression and dementia. Sadly, many don’t get help because they feel ashamed of their conditions. It’s important to remember that older adults are just as vulnerable to mental health issues as younger people—and that anyone can develop these conditions at any age. Whether you or someone you love is suffering from depression or >dementia, know that there is hope. With help and treatment, you can maintain your independence and enjoy life again.
Physical Injury
As people age, the physical injury becomes more common. For example, the older you get, your body is less able to repair muscle tissue and repair broken bones than it used to be. Additionally, aging loved ones are especially vulnerable to developing conditions like arthritis, increasing their risk of falling and breaking bones. If you’re over 60 years old and feeling like your body isn’t working as well as it once did, talk with your doctor or medical care provider about how best to address these issues (sometimes, simply getting good nutrition will help).
Malnutrition
When loved ones in their golden age don’t get enough nutrients in their diets, malnutrition can set in. Your loved one may appear to have lost weight or have shrunken cheeks or gums. This is a serious health problem, so if you notice your loved one isn’t eating well for several days straight—or they are eating less food than usual—you should call your doctor. To avoid malnutrition, make sure your loved one is eating at least 1,000 calories per day; however, if their diet consists mostly of high-calorie foods (ice cream, peanut butter sandwiches), you may need to up that number to 1,500 calories. Malnutrition is treatable with nutritious meals and vitamins that a doctor can prescribe.
