As a person gets older, they can experience health issues. Are you aware of the common age related health concerns for seniors? Then you can begin to take preventative measures to keep these illnesses and diseases at bay as you age.
People who live in the United States are living longer than previous generations. Data has shown that after a person reaches the age of 65, they can expect to live almost another 20 years on average. This means that senior living requires that they carefully manage and monitor their chronic conditions so they can stay healthy. It is important that they are physically active and eat healthy. However, they may also need to make lifestyle changes such as losing weight or quitting smoking.
There are several health concerns for seniors that can be managed so elders can enjoy good health for the rest of their lives.
Cancer
According to the Center for Disease Control, cancer is considered to be the second leading cause of death. Over 400,000 seniors over the age of 65 succumbed to the disease in 2013. That makes it one of the top health concerns for seniors. If it is caught early through tests such as mammograms, skin checks and colonoscopies, it can be treatable.
You may not be able to prevent all types of cancer. However, you can improve your quality of life by working with your medical team to discuss treatment options.
Arthritis
This is probably one of the leading health concerns for seniors over the age of 65 deal with. It affects almost 50% of this population. Also, it can cause a decrease in quality of life. This chronic health condition can make you feel less inclined to be active. Therefore, you should work on an individualized activity plan with your physician that can help you maintain your current health.
Alzheimer’s Disease
In 2013, this disease accounted for over 80,000 deaths in seniors over the age of 65. It has been reported that one in nine seniors over 65 live with Alzheimer’s. However, diagnosis of this disease is challenging. Therefore, the statistic may not be a true representation of all those who are affected with this condition. Experts do agree that any type of cognitive impairment can have an effect on the quality of senior health across the board. Safety issues, self-care issues and long term care considerations are just some of the factors that families have to acknowledge.
These are just some of the health concerns for seniors as they age. Being proactive about your health can help you keep these issues at a distance as you get older.
Contact us today to learn more about health concerns for seniors and our home care services.