Common Health Issues Related To Aging

It is a fact that aging comes with negative health effects on the body. But knowing about the usual health problems can be very helpful for those who want to prevent or are experiencing these issues. This article will go through some of the common health issues related to aging.

Incontinence and Constipation

Incontinence and constipation are common conditions among the elderly that can negatively affect one’s quality of life. These conditions can be the direct result of decreases in muscle control or dietary problems.

Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline is another health issue related to aging. A condition like Alzheimer disease (a.k.a. Alzheimer’s disease) is very serious. Patients with severe cognitive decline may need a caregiver as they may lose their ability to perform activities of daily living that are essential for functioning at home and in society. 

Balance Issues

Did you know that falling the top cause of injuries among seniors? Falling is typically a direct result of balance issues. Those caring for older family members should keep these issues in mind. Furthermore, the loss of muscle and bone strength associated with aging adds to balance issues. 

Oral Health Problems

Many elderly people develop oral health problems like gingivitis and periodontitis, conditions that affect the gums and the bones holding the teeth in place. Meanwhile, others may suffer from a loss of teeth, which can make eating difficult.

Bone Problems

Seniors are prone to bone health problems like osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. In fact, the National Osteoporosis Foundation states that over 54 million American adults over 50 years of age (and almost all of those 80 years old and above) have osteoarthritis.

Respiratory Health Problems

Some respiratory health conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can worsen as a person becomes older. The elderly are also more prone to contagious diseases that affect the respiratory system.

Influenza and Pneumonia

While influenza (the flu) and pneumonia are not limited to the elderly, older adults are more prone to serious cases of these diseases due to weakening immune systems. Seniors are less likely to recover from a serious bout of the flu or pneumonia. 

Vision Loss

A major issue among the elderly is vision loss, as one in three persons will develop some kind of vision impairment by the time they reach age 65. The top causes of age-related vision loss are macular degeneration and cataract. 

Hearing Loss

Aside from vision loss, seniors are also very prone to hearing loss. In fact, it is one of the most common health issues related to aging. Around 33 percent of people aged 65 and 74 experience some form of hearing loss.

Heart Problems

Conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol can lead to heart problems. It also becomes more challenging to manage those conditions as a person ages. It’s important to manage those conditions since heart disease is the top cause of death for those who are over 65.

Substance Abuse

This may come as a surprise to some people because substance abuse is not typically associated with the elderly. The truth is that alcohol and other forms of substance abuse are common among seniors. In fact, the number of seniors with substance abuse problems is expected to hit 5 million by this year.

Malnutrition

The problem with malnutrition in older adults is that it often goes undiagnosed. Malnutrition in seniors is typically related to other conditions like substance abuse, depression, and cognitive decline.

Physical Injuries

Did you know that every 15 seconds, an elderly person goes to the hospital because of fall injuries? Seniors are very prone to physical injuries because their sense of balance declines, their bones shrink, and their muscles lose strength.

Mental Health Issues

According to the World Health Organization, 15 percent of seniors 60 years old and up develop mental health problems, the most common of which is depression. What’s more alarming is that mental health problems often go undiagnosed. They are some of the most common health issues related to aging that you should be aware of.

Learn more about Healthy Aging here.