Thanks to medical advances, people are living longer. As we get older, it is natural for our bodies to be more prone to health issues. Many factors such as lifestyle and environment can affect how we age. Here are the most common health conditions affecting those 65 or older and how you can decrease your risks of having these issues.
1.) Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for older adults. The health condition is caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels that lead to the heart.
- Reducing stress
- Exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)
- Maintaining a healthy diet that is low in sodium, sugar, and fat
2.) Arthritis
The CDC estimates that almost 50% of older adults are affected by arthritis. The condition affects joints in the body such as hips, knees, fingers, and other joints in the hand.
Osteoarthritis– The most common form of arthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis– An autoimmune and inflammatory disease where your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake. RA mainly attacks joints and causes painful swelling in the affected parts of the body.
Psoriatic arthritis– A form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis. Joint problems can appear before the skin patches begin.
How to help maintain your health:
- Eating foods that are high in Omega-3 to help reduce inflammation
- Controlling body weight to help lessen pressure on joints
- Aerobic exercises and stretching
3.) Osteoporosis
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, over 54 million adults over the age of 50 have either low bone mass or osteoporosis. This condition increases the risk for fractures and breaks that can lead to reduced movement in seniors.
How to help decrease your risk of osteoporosis:
- Exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)
- Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Limiting the amount of alcohol and avoid smoking
4.) Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease makes up 50-70% of dementia cases. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in nine people 65 and over have the disease. This health condition causes progressive deterioration in memory and cognitive skills.
How to help reduce your risk:
- Having a Mediterranean diet t which focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish and limits the amount of red meat consumed
- Mental exercises such as puzzles and mind games
- Getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night
5.) Diabetes
The CDC estimates that about 25% of people 65 and older have diabetes. Both Type I and Type II diabetes can affect many parts of the body and can cause additional health problems.
How to maintain your health by:
- Avoiding foods that are high in sugar, trans fats, and empty carbohydrates
- Exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)
- Eat more fish and fiber
At Evergreen Senior Living, we are experts at understanding the aging process and how it can affect our residents. We strive to give the best care to make sure your loved one is meeting all their health needs. Call today or visit our website to learn more about our campus and caregivers.