| − | About 11% of older adults on Medicare are treated for Alzheimer's Disease or another form of dementia, which leads to memory loss and difficulty thinking or problem-solving. Dementia is not a normal part of aging, but it can be slowed down with lifestyle choices like healthy eating and exercising.<br /><br />Other chronic conditions that affect seniors include hypertension, arthritis, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.<br /><br />1. [https://www.personalmedicalalarms.co.nz/ personal alarms for elderly] Hypertension<br /><br />Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of the blood against your artery walls is too high. This condition increases your risk for heart disease and other health problems.<br /><br />Older adults are more prone to age related diseases that don’t typically affect younger people like hypertension, ischemic heart disease, urinary incontinence, and vascular dementia. These conditions can be treated with a combination of medicine and lifestyle changes.<br /><br />2. Arthritis<br /><br />Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and stiffness. It destroys the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form joints. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.<br /><br />Other arthritic conditions include gout, which results from excess uric acid in the body; and fibromyalgia, a widespread musculoskeletal condition that causes joint pain, fatigue and tenderness. These conditions are long-term, and many seniors may need help managing their symptoms.<br /><br />3. Chronic Bronchitis<br /><br />Bronchitis happens when the lining of your lungs' tubes, called bronchi, become irritated and inflamed. This causes sticky mucus to build up in your lungs, which makes it hard to breathe.<br /><br />Chronic bronchitis is part of the COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) group of diseases, and often occurs with emphysema. It can be treated with bronchodilators and steroids, which can be taken in an inhaler or pill.<br /><br />4. Diabetes<br /><br />Diabetes is an illness in which blood sugar levels are high. It can lead to serious health complications, such as kidney disease or a stroke. It can also lead to infections like the flu or pneumonia, which are especially dangerous for seniors.<br /><br />Many chronic conditions can be prevented or delayed by making healthy lifestyle choices. These include eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing your weight.<br /><br />5. Osteoporosis<br /><br />In people with osteoporosis, bone formation does not keep up with bone loss. This can make bones weak and prone to fracture.<br /><br />These fractures often happen in the hip, wrist and spine. They can lead to back pain, a stooped posture and loss of height.<br /><br />You can help prevent osteoporosis by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and not smoking. You can also take certain medicines to improve bone strength.<br /><br />6. Shingles<br /><br />Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, itchy skin rash that typically forms in a stripe on one side of the body. It starts with tingling or pain in the area where the rash will appear and scabs over in 7 to 10 days.<br /><br />The varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox stays dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate years later as shingles. A vaccine can reduce your risk.<br /><br />7. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)<br /><br />CKD occurs when your kidneys lose their ability to remove waste products from your body. It usually happens slowly and may get worse over time.<br /><br />Signs include a high blood pressure, numbness or swelling in your legs or feet, and urine that contains more protein than normal. It can also affect your heart and blood vessels.<br /><br />Learn how to manage your condition with classes like Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) offered in your community.<br /><br />8. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)<br /><br />Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It can develop from a build-up of fatty deposits called plaque in the arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients to organs. If a blood clot forms, it can block the flow of blood to the heart and cause a stroke or heart attack.<br /><br />Age and family genetics increase the risk of CVD, but leading a healthy lifestyle may reduce it. This includes not smoking, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.<br /><br />9. Cancer<br /><br />Cancer is a disease that develops in the tissues of the body. Most cancers grow and spread quickly and affect organs or glands that secrete substances like the lungs, breasts or colon.<br /><br />Benign tumours usually resemble the tissue they grow in and don't threaten life, but can obstruct the flow of blood or cause discomfort.<br /><br />Cancer treatment may lead to low blood counts, which increase your risk of infection, anemia and bruising.<br /><br />10. Depression<br /><br />Depression is a serious medical condition and is not a normal consequence of aging. It can cause feelings of sadness, pessimism, apathy, weight loss or gain, difficulty making decisions and changes in appetite.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Balance issues, dizziness and muscle weakness also occur frequently. Medications can often cause side effects that can make these problems worse. It is important to learn to recognize the early signs of these diseases.<br /><br />
| + | The older you get, the more likely you are to develop one or more chronic medical conditions. [https://www.personalmedicalalarms.co.nz/panic-alarms/ personal alarms for seniors] This is because as we age, our metabolism slows down and our immunity decreases.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are some of the most common chronic diseases in older adults, based on a review of data from the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cardiovascular Disorders<br /><br />High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about taking medication and other treatment options.<br /><br />Diabetes<br /><br />People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing a number of other health problems, including eye and kidney diseases, nerve damage, gum infections, and amputations. Getting diagnosed early and controlling your diabetes can prevent these illnesses.<br /><br />Osteoporosis<br /><br />Losing bone density is a normal part of the aging process, but it can be harmful if left unchecked. [https://www.personalmedicalalarms.co.nz/medical-alert/ personal emergency response device] Over time, osteoporosis can lead to falls and fractures. To help keep your bones strong, take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Weight-bearing exercise can also help reduce the impact of this condition.<br /><br />Dementia<br /><br />One in 14 adults over 65 will experience dementia at some point in their lives, according to the CDC. This condition causes memory loss and other cognitive challenges. It can lead to confusion and trouble finding the right words or following directions. It also can result in a change in how you use your body and mind.<br /><br /> |
