Getting older is a natural phase in our life. With the increasing age, we get more prone to get affected with multiple diseases. With time our certain bodily mechanisms start to slow down including immune power and metabolism rate, which can lead to many health challenges in seniors.
Many studies have shown that 80% of seniors are suffering from at least one chronic health condition, while 68% of seniors are affected with two or more health conditions. Although the conditions may occur at old age, the symptoms may appear from an early age and proper treatment at the right time.A senior health checkup at the right time can help to reduce the risk of fatality. So what are the diseases that are more common in older people? Here are top 10 known diseases which you should know about.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure or hypertension is a very common health condition that affects nearly 58% of old adults. When your heart pumps more blood than your arteries can permit, that is when high blood pressure occurs. This condition does not show any symptoms, but can lead to severe consequences including heart attack and stroke.High cholesterol level: Nearly 47% of old adults are suffering high cholesterol levels. This common health condition may occur when your arteries get clogged because of excessive body fats or lipids. Clogged arteries can be the cause of heart diseases.Arthritis: Arthritis is very common in old adults, and this refers to a condition that mainly inflames the joints. The inflammation or swelling of the joints causes excessive pain and stiffness. There are many types of arthritis and approximately 31% of old adults are affected with this condition.Coronary heart diseases: Approximately 29% of old adults are suffering from a coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease. This type of heart disease may be caused when plaque buildup compresses the arteries. Narrowed or clogged arteries reduce the amount of oxygen-rich blood that passes to the heart, and this can lead to heart attack.Diabetes: Diabetes is very common not only in old adults, young adults may also suffer from diabetes. However, the risk of getting diabetes is higher at the age of 45, and around 27% of old adults are suffering from diabetes. Our body’s main fuel is insulin which the body produces from the food we eat. Diabetes may occur if your body fails to produce or use insulin well. High blood sugar levels may lead to heart and kidney disease.Chronic kidney disease: Just like any other body parts, as we age our kidneys start to lose their workability. With a chronic kidney disorder, you may experience weight loss, muscle cramps, difficulty in breathing, and insomnia. There can be multiple reasons behind developing a chronic kidney disorder, including diabetes and high blood pressure.Heart failure: Heart failure is a condition that is more common in seniors than young adults, in which the heart cannot be able to deliver blood and oxygen to the other organs. This can cause the heart to become enlarged, produce more muscle and it can even pump faster to fulfill the body’s needs.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder mainly includes two types of lung disease such as emphysema and bronchitis. This lung disease obstructs airflow from the lungs, which causes shortness of breath. Smoking is known to be one of the most common causes of this disorder, but it can develop in anyone who is exposed to pollution or particulate matter. People with COPD are at high risk of having lung cancer and heart disease.Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disease. In this condition, the brain cells die and the brain shrinks. This disease gradually reduces thinking ability, physical activity, and social skills. Alzheimer’s disease may also lead to memory loss.Depression: Depression is a serious mental health condition that not only affects older people, it can affect people of all ages. This mental health condition is a condition where you feel persistent sadness and extreme tiredness. Depression can be caused by several factors including age, grief, abuse, and others.
Those are all the most common health concerns that increase with age. However, it is important to take care of yourself or your close ones. Full body checkup for senior citizen helps to thoroughly examine from head to toe to detect any maladies.
