It’s no secret that people experience different health issues as they age. However, many of these problems can be prevented or slowed by regular checkups and healthy lifestyle habits. Common elderly health concerns include eye disease, balance problems, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes and dementia. These issues can be managed through a healthy diet, regular exercise and medication.

Arthritis

Nonspecific systemic symptoms like fatigue and malaise often precede specific joint pain. Some people experience flare-ups of the disease when they’re exposed to rainy or cold weather. During a physical exam, doctors check the joints for redness, warmth, and swelling. They may also perform blood tests and X-rays. They may also drain joint fluid from the affected area after cleansing and numbing it. Unlike the common belief that joint pain is a normal part of aging, it’s important to see a doctor when it persists. Arthritis treatment Orange Park FL focuses on limiting pain and improving function and mobility. Short-term methods include pain relievers and heat therapy.

High Blood Pressure

A common health issue affecting many seniors is high blood pressure, caused by how much blood the heart pumps and the narrow arteries that resist that flow. It may result in other severe medical disorders, including heart disease and stroke. Cognitive health issues like dementia also commonly affect older adults, who lose their ability to think and learn. Fortunately, early detection and treatment options can help prevent or lessen the effects of dementia. Arthritis is another common elderly health issue that causes joint pain and stiffness, with two types, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A good way to reduce the symptoms of arthritis is to eat an anti-inflammatory diet, such as nuts and seeds, berries and fatty fish like salmon.

Osteoporosis

Known as the “silent disease,” osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle. The condition usually goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs, most commonly in the hip, wrist and spine. Broken bones can impair movement, cause loss of independence, and lower quality of life. A nutritious diet, calcium and vitamin D supplements, weight-bearing exercise, and medications can all help prevent or cure osteoporosis. Steroids, certain hormones (including those used during menopause), and drugs for cancer and other disorders can all result in the body losing bone density. A sedentary lifestyle increases osteoporosis risk. Being a smoker also increases the risk. People with a family history of the disease are at greater risk. The disease affects women more than men.

Diabetes

As people age, their body organs get old, too, and they experience many health issues. It is why a lot of older adults need hospice care services. Most older adults have at least one chronic disease, and nearly 92 percent have two or more. Encourage your loved one to avoid processed foods as much as possible because they contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy vegetable oils, and preservatives. Instead, choose whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to eat regularly and to drink water. Diabetes is a common complication of aging, and it can lead to kidney problems, affecting the overall quality of life. Seniors are advised to take their insulin regularly and have an annual examination for diabetes to lower their chance of getting kidney disease.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that happens when germs get into the lungs and cause inflammation of the air sacs. Bacteria, viruses or fungi may cause the infection. The condition is usually accompanied by symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and feeling unwell. Older people with pneumonia may also experience confusion or a lower-than-normal body temperature. Those living at home with pneumonia respond well to treatment and recover within a few days. However, they might need to be hospitalized if their health condition is poor or they develop serious complications such as sepsis or respiratory failure. These patients may be at higher risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia and are more likely to be exposed to antibiotic-resistant pathogens.