5 of the Most Common Senior Health Issues and Prevention Tips

As an older adult, you are at risk of developing a variety of senior health issues. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones for people aged 65 and older:

1. Respiratory Illnesses

A respiratory illness is any of the diseases and disorders involving the airways and lungs. These diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

PREVENTION:

• Avoid or stop smoking, including second-hand smoke
• Engage in regular exercise
• Get regular respiratory screenings
• Stay hydrated

2. Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death for seniors. With age, women’s chances increase for cervical, endometrial and breast cancer, and men have a higher risk for prostate cancer. Early screenings are essential to catching the cancer at a treatable stage. They include:

• Mammograms
• Colonoscopies
• Skin checks

PREVENTION: 

• Avoid tobacco, including second-hand smoke
• Protect your skin from UV rays
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Maintain a healthy weight

The CDC also recommends getting tested for Hepatitis C, an inflammation of the liver which can cause cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.

3. Heart Disease

This is the leading cause of death in seniors, and is one of a number of cardiovascular diseases, such as:

• Heart attacks
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Arrhythmia
• Heart valve problems

PREVENTION:

• Choose healthy foods and drinks
• Keep a healthy weight
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Don’t smoke
• Regularly check cholesterol
• Control blood pressure
• Manage diabetes

4. Diabetes

Around thirty percent of people 65 and older are living with diabetes.

A warning sign called pre-diabetes occurs when you have a higher-than-normal blood sugar level, though the level is not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. However, without lifestyle changes, type 2 diabetes can develop, and it occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults.

The list of senior health issues associated with diabetes is long, and includes loss of vision, kidney disease, nerve damage and amputations.

Signs of pre-diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Excess hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

PREVENTION:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid red and processed meat, and sugar-sweetened foods and drinks. Consume foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil.
• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week
• Do not smoke
• Maintain a healthy blood pressure

Diabetes also links to cardiovascular diseases as it is associated with the following health issues:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Stroke

5. Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the second biggest health fear for seniors after cancer.

Alzheimer’s disease results in progressive memory loss, as well as difficulties with thinking and problem solving. The disease often progresses to more serious symptoms, including difficulty communicating, issues with swallowing, becoming disoriented, and displaying personality changes such as aggression, anxiety or hostility.

There is no curative treatment, and nothing has been conclusively proven to prevent Alzheimer’s, though many possibilities are being explored including:

• Staying physically active
• Cognitive training
• Healthy diet
• The development of new medications

Also, recent research has revealed individuals with high blood pressure diagnosed between 35 to 44 years of age have a higher risk for dementia.

According to the National Institute on Aging, because Alzheimer’s is so complex, the best strategy to prevent or delay it, may turn out to be a combination of preventative measures.

Discover more senior Health & Wellness topics on Bethesda’s blog.