There’s lots of different health issues that come with aging. Luckily, some of them are easy to manage with proper preparation. Here are 10 common health issues for seniors.
10 Common Health Issues for Seniors
1. Chronic Illness
It’s very common for seniors to have at least one or more chronic illnesses. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are the most common to have.
2. Cognitive Health
Alzheimer’s and dementia are pervasive diseases. They are so much more than simply forgetting, they can cause problems with motor skills, personality changes, and confusion are major symptoms of both of these diseases. Alzheimer’s is also fatal.
3. Mental Health
Many seniors suffer from depression because of so many life changes that happen later in life. As we’ve written about before, it’s hard to diagnose mental illness in seniors.
Older adults are around 18 percent of suicide deaths in America.
4. Falls
Falls are the number one cause for emergency visits. Falls cause all kinds of bone fractures due to bones weakening with age.
5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
In 2013, the CDC found that 21 percent of AIDs cases were in people over 50 in the US. Seniors are less likely to use protection, and their weaker immune system makes them more vulnerable to HIV.
6. Malnutrition
It’s easy for seniors to develop malnutrition for a number of reasons. Cognitive impairments may cause them to forget to eat, dietary restrictions, limited income, and more can cause problems with getting proper nutrition.
7. Sensory Impairments
Vision and hearing loss are common in Americans over the age of 70.
8. Oral Health
Around 25 percent of people over 65 don’t have any natural teeth left. Cavities and tooth decay can lead to unhealthy diets, low self-esteem, and other health problems.
9. Substance Abuse
Addiction is more of a problem among seniors than most people realize. Older adults with substance abuse problems are expected to reach five million by 2020.
10. Bladder Control and Constipation
These symptoms can either be due to age or be symptoms of a poor diet or medication.
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