6 Common Health Issues Related to Aging

What to look for as your risk of these health conditions increases

Many health conditions become more likely to affect you as you age. Some may not cause any symptoms at first, so you may not even realize you have the condition. But even without noticeable symptoms, unrecognized medical conditions can put your health at risk.

Be on the lookout for these common health issues related to aging. Get screened regularly and talk to your doctor if you have any telltale symptoms of these conditions.

6 Common health problems in older adults

1. Heart disease –

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and your chances of having the disease increase as you age. However, it is not a condition that suddenly occurs when you get older. A build-up of plaque in your arteries is the most common cause. This is a risk factor that develops throughout your life due to lifestyle and genetic factors. Having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes increases your risk.

2. High blood pressure –

As you age, your blood vessels become less flexible. That makes it more likely that your blood pressure will rise. About 2 in 3 adults over age 60 have high blood pressure. Certain lifestyle habits also cause your blood pressure to increase, including being overweight, not exercising, smoking, experiencing chronic stress, and eating too much salt. Making lifestyle changes can lower blood pressure, but many people also need to take prescription medicine to keep blood pressure in a healthy range.

3. Obesity –

Many Americans are overweight or obese, but your risk of carrying too much weight increases as you age. Nearly 45% of people aged 40 to 59, and nearly 42% of people over age 60 experience obesity. Obesity increases your risk of many chronic and serious diseases.

4. Diabetes –

About 1 in 10 people have diabetes and many more have prediabetes (a condition in which your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes). Advancing age increases your risk of developing diabetes or prediabetes and many people don’t know they have these conditions. Although you may not have any symptoms at first, it’s easy to tell if you have diabetes by getting a blood test to check your blood sugar levels.

5. Osteoarthritis –

If you notice that your joints hurt more as you age, it’s not a coincidence. This form of arthritis develops due to wear and tear over time of the cartilage in joints. That makes age a major risk factor, but it’s not the only one. Being overweight, not being physically active, experiencing previous joint injuries and having other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, also increase your risk.

6. Osteoporosis –

Not only are your joints more likely to hurt, but your bones weaken as you age. Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones have weakened enough to be more prone to fractures. The strength of your bones as you get older is affected by what you’ve eaten and the activity you have done throughout your life, but consuming more calcium and vitamin D, as well as performing regular weight-bearing exercises at any age, helps keep bones stronger.

Home health care can help manage symptoms

From managing the most common chronic diseases in older adults, to offering in-home physical, occupational, and speech therapy, Ethos Home Health Care is here to help ensure you receive the care you need as you age. Our dedicated team is equipped to address a wide range of health concerns, empowering you to live every day to the fullest.

If you or a loved one are experiencing changes in health or mobility due to aging, visit our website to learn if home health care is the right fit. For additional questions and information about services, please contact our team via this online form or by calling (701) 809-9319.

Published on May 6th, 2024